Klerksdorp Correctional Service and the community of Alabama near Klerksdorp will take centre stage this TB Month. Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike will lead a team of healthcare workers, Directly Observed Therapy Supporters and developmental partners in Intensified TB Case Finding to commemorate World TB Day on Friday, 7 March 2014.

The team will assemble at Alabama Community Hall at 08h30 before departing to conduct a door to door TB screening. Those found to have TB will be put on treatment immediately.

Intensified TB Case Finding has been identified as one of the key priority areas critical to the success of the Department of Health’s effort to promote greater community involvement in disease management.

It also focus on empowerment to deal with own health issues and promote an integrated healthcare management system. TB defaulter rate improved from 9, 2% in 2012 to 7, 2% in 2013. This can be attributed to community health worker programme.

The Intensified TB Case Finding will be followed by a mass TB awareness scheduled to take place at Alabama Stadium.

SOURCE: South African Official News