Minister Adam’s message on World TB Day |24 March 2017

Government committed to fighting TB

“The government through the Ministry of Health will continue to engage in the fight against TB by improving detection, management monitoring and evaluation and control of the disease,” the Minister for Health Jean-Paul Adam says in his message to mark World TB Day.

The minister has also called on the general public to assist the ministry in this fight against TB by following advice given by health professionals.

“To achieve our targets it is important that the general public help with the prevention of TB spread,” says the minister.

The full text of Minister Adam’s message reads:

“World TB Day is being commemorated today under the theme ‘Unite To End TB’ Leave No One Behind. “WHO is placing a special focus on unity of efforts to “Leave no one behind” including actions to address stigma, discrimination, marginalisation and overcome barriers to access care.

“TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In 2015 10.4 million people fell ill with TB and 1.8 million died from the disease.

“TB is a leading killer of HIV positive people. In 2015, 35% of HIV deaths were due to TB; however an estimated 49 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2015.

Globally in 2015, an estimated 480,000 people developed multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals.

“By various efforts over the years the Ministry of Health together with its partners have seen a reduction in number of detected cases, and the number of TB/HIV co-infection is low compared to other countries in the region. In 2016, 10 cases were recorded in contrast to the 24 cases in 2013.

In Seychelles no cases of MDR TB has been recorded yet. Vigilance therefore remains a priority.

The government through the Ministry of Health will continue to engage in the fight against TB by improving detection, management monitoring and evaluation and control of the disease.

“Our aim is to attain the set target in Seychelles even before 2030.

“Once again I am committing my ministry to continue with the good work, and commend our partners for their continuous engagement and support so that no one is left behind.

“I will also take this opportunity to call on the general public to assist us in this fight against TB by following advice given by health professionals. To achieve our targets it is important that the general public help with the prevention of TB spread. In this regard, people are advised to :

• Go to your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of TB;

• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and dispose used tissues correctly;

• Do not spit on the floor or in public places;

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching public installations such as public phones, door handles, rails etc;

• Avoid sharing utensils such as cutleries, plates, mugs or glasses;

• Take your treatment regularly as advised by your doctor;

• Eat a healthy balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables;

• Avoid alcohol because it reduces the body’s ability to fight infection;

• Keep your environment clean;

• Get plenty of sunshine and ensure that your room is well ventilated.

“TB is preventable and curable and it will depend on each individual and family in Seychelles to assist the Ministry of Health in its efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals health target of ending TB by 2030.”