Take advantage of free TB treatment, Edo Govt urges Residents

The Edo government State Government has urged residents to take advantage of free tuberculosis treatment being offered in health facilities

Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, said this during a news briefing on tuberculosis in Benin.

He gave an assurance that the government would continue to accord priority to the health needs of the people.

Dr. Ojeifo said, “Tuberculosis is not a death sentence and Edo government has evolved measures, which include free treatment of tuberculosis in health Centres across the state.”

He listed symptoms of tuberculosis to include persistent cough that has stayed for more than a week, cough that contains blood and consistent weight loss.

The director advised persons with such symptoms to visit the hospital for prompt medical attention.

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He said the state government would continue to enlighten and sustain awareness on the dangers of tuberculosis, symptoms and preventive measures to be taken against the spread of the disease.

Dr. Ojeifo urged members of the public to go for regular medical check-ups, including testing for tuberculosis.

The World Health Organisation representative in Nigeria, Dr. Efemena Onowugbeda, said the organisation was poised to support the state government in tackling tuberculosis.

The WHO official advised that babies must be given BCG vaccination at birth and during routine immunisation.