By Maite Theka
Limpopo Provincial Government and the Department of Health (DoH) led the Limpopo Community to intensify the awareness on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, which was held at Mabatlane Sport Ground, Vaalwater on 22 March 2024. The build-up to the event took place earlier at Leseding Hall, in Vaalwater Farm, Waterberg District on 15 March 2024.
The awareness is among related health issues marked on the official global public health by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This was to commemorate millions of people who died because of contracting TB and on the same breath, heightening the public awareness about the impact of health, social and economic circumstances due to TB.
Activities of the day involved TB, mental health, and mobile health screening services.
Ditaba Nengudza from the DoH under Waterberg District made the community aware during the build-up of the importance of screening for TB, which is the first step of understanding their status.
He pleaded with the community not to undermine the symptoms of TB. That include sweating, coughing for more than two weeks without any sign of getting better, feeling tired and coughing of blood, he explained. Nengudza continued that should a community member come across one of those symptoms, that member should go for health screening, if found positive – that member should be referred to hospital for X-ray and treatment thereafter.
“Once receiving treatment, be advised from avoiding certain things such as consumption of alcohol and smoking since will affect the process of healing and could exacerbate the situation”, said a provincial TB ambassador Reuben Mahlatji who was once diagnosed with TB.
Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC of Limpopo Department of Health made a stance of the importance of balanced, nutritional, and healthy meal. Speaking on behalf of Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha, Dr Ramathuba extended her call beyond the so-called leaders from various establishments that wrongfully advised patients from taking in their treatments and medications since this will stand in their way of recovery but make situations worse.
The community of Vaalwater led by Solanga Mlambo, armed with placards showcasing their demands, brought in their memorandum that sought intervention from government and stakeholders to end TB. Dr Ramathuba acknowledged to their plea.