Head of the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research and Board Chair of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, has reiterated that tuberculosis is considered the most deadly infection next to Covid-19.
Prof. Dorothy Manu explained tuberculosis has been in existence since the ‘rock of ages’ together with leprosy. She disclosed that both diseases are caused by a similar bacteria.
During an interview with Samuel Eshun on Happy98.9 FM’s “Happy Morning Show,” she explained tuberculosis as a bacterial infection while highlighting symptoms of TB. “TB is a communicable disease and comparably does similar damage to what the Covid-19 does to your lungs. It’s an airborne infection and can be transmitted through coughing. Tiredness and blood samples from coughing indicates that a person may be affected by TB. You begin to experience little energy rate, grow lean as well as sweating profusely in bed,” Prof. Dorothy Manu shared.
The Board Chair of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme also gave a brief history of tuberculosis, recounting the dire impacts it weighed across Europe. “TB is said to be a disease of antiquity. When we look at the Bible the same bacteria that causes TB also causes leprosy and has been in existence for very long. Just as Covid-19 is killing a lot of people around the world, TB caused a lot of deaths especially in Europe. They named it the ‘White plague’ because for every seven recorded deaths, one was caused by TB,” she added.
Prof. Dorothy Manu stated the reason 24th March is recognized as the World TB day. “During that time, the developed countries put in a lot of effort into studying the disease. It wasn’t until 24th March, 1882 when German physician, Robert Herman Koch revealed the cause of the infection. That’s is why we dedicated 24th March of every year to commemorate the day the root cause of TB was disclosed.”
The Noguchi Boss, further urged government authorities together with the necessary stakeholders to commit adequate resources into the fight of tuberculosis to save lives.
World TB day is a significant occasion for all health workers, partners, researchers, the TB community and all governments who contribute their resources to the fight against TB and as such, Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate World TB Day. The Theme for this year’s commemoration is “Invest To End TB. Save Lives”
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