Over 125,000 living with tuberculosis in Mozambique – aimnews.org

Maputo, 25 Mar (AIM) – More than 125 thousand people live with tuberculosis in Mozambique, with a notable increase in cases in the central and southern provinces.

According to Benedita José, head of the National Tuberculosis Control Program, interviewed by Rádio Moçambique, as part of the celebrations of World Tuberculosis Day, celebrated on March 24th of each year, Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo are the provinces most affected by the disease.

“The fight against tuberculosis continues to be a priority for the sector. Around 125 thousand people develop tuberculosis every year, which corresponds to approximately 361 per 100 thousand people”, he stated.

She also revealed that Mozambique is among the 10 countries with the highest tuberculosis burden in Southern Africa, and the country ranks fourth in terms of tuberculosis prevalence.

However, she said, the country is improving its TB screening methods.

“We have made significant progress compared to last year,” said José. “It is important to recognize that the government has made a great effort to improve the tuberculosis diagnostic network in our country. Several sensitive technologies for the diagnosis of tuberculosis have been acquired, including molecular micrographs that allow us to identify how to combat tuberculosis.”

José highlighted that the government “has invested heavily in the screening and identification of people suspected of having tuberculosis. Currently, the country uses digital and artificial intelligence technologies to track tuberculosis.”
(AIM)
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