Bwaise community sensitized about the Mulago TB trial

Apr 11, 2016

“When coughing, one is expected to cover their mouth with a handkerchief to avoid spreading the germs."

KAMPALA - Mulago Community Advisory Board organized a public sensitivity awareness to encourage people living in congested areas of Bwaise to support research on Tuberculosis (TB) which has started in Mulago.

According to Dr. Grace Muzanye, Mulago hospital has started recruiting for a TB research that is testing new drugs. TB treatment currently lasts for 6 to 8 months and the long treatment sometimes causes problems of drug adherence among patients. Research is ongoing to see if new drug regiments can shorten the time for treatment to at least four month.

Bwaise is one of the slum areas of Kampala where congestion, poor sanitation, poverty do worsen TB infectiousness and spread. The doctor explained to the people gathered the importance of social support to a TB patient, especially encouragement to seek medical treatment and participate in the research.

He explained how TB spreads and how patients can stop or prevent themselves from catching it.

 

"When coughing, one is expected to cover their mouth with a handkerchief to avoid spreading the germs," Dr. Muzanye said. "The good news for TB patients within radius of 30 km from Mulago Hospital, is that medicine is available free of charge at Mulago."

Dr. Edith Nalwogo tipped the crowd on the TB symptoms.

"There is persistent cough, high fever, red coloration of lips and weight loss," said Dr. Nalwoga. "The good news TB can be cured and avoided. Just keep the house well aerated, avoid sharing malwa straws and juju pipes."

Robert Nakibumba, one of the community board members of the TB research site at Mulago, said the community engagement projects are good because sensitized people are easy to work with. He said more consultations between the community and doctors, researchers and the patients are needed for trials to succeed.

Dr. Prima Kazora told the audience that about 4,000 people are dying of TB related illnesses every year.

"The total number of patients nationally recorded annually are 44,000. This ranks Uganda as one of the 20 worst TB hit countries in the world," he said. 

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