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According to the Stop TB Partnership, it is tormenting that the TB pandemic grabs 60 lives daily. It is also disgusting that Kenya, which is still facing financial crunch, loses approximately Sh11 billion annually in hospitalisation costs, deaths, expenditure for care and absenteeism from work.
Unfortunately, most deaths are between the age of 15 and 55 and this leaves me terrified that our country may end up lacking a potential work force if the TB menace is not weeded out. Apparently, more than 110,000 people are infected annually but only 90,000 are put under medication. This simply means the number which is not put under treatment is left spreading the chronic disease.
After the Stop TB Partnership revealed that HIV/AIDS patients, young people, elderly, those who eat poor diet and excessive consumers of alcohol are more prone to TB infection, the government in collaboration with Stop TB Partnership should device appropriate measures to salvage the groups. In addition, the vulnerable groups should avoid overcrowding in poorly ventilated houses/places where the contagious disease can be easily spread.
Those able to feed on a balanced diet should endeavour to maintain it in order to avoid malnutrition.
TB is becoming chronic; let’s join hands in trimming it.
