WINDHOEK: Over 40 tuberculosis (TB) patients in the capital are receiving treatment and skills’ training in different fields through the Penduka TB Control Programme under the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The programme has nine drug distribution points where TB drugs and nutrition are provided to TB patients.

One of the trainers, Faith Kakai, told Nampa during the Namibia SME Expo on Wednesday that TB patients have to take their medication and eat nutritious food in the presence of the programme staff.

She said the programme also provides training to TB patients in the fields of basic computer skills, business administration, catering and batik fabric painting.

Kakai stressed that the majority of the beneficiaries are women, and only a few men are committed to receive training.

She said the programme will hold its first graduation ceremony on 16 August for eight computer students.

Kakai and one of the beneficiaries, Wilson Heita, participated in the Namibia SME Expo that took place from 01 to 03 August at the NamPower Convention Centre in the capital, and showcased some of the products created by TB patients.

The programme was established in September 2001 as part of the Health Ministry’s implementation of Community-Based Directly Observed Therapy (CB-DOT) programme in the Khomas Region to provide skills’ training for TB patients through the ‘TB secure livelihoods training and empowerment’ programme.