Namibia reports slight increase in TB cases

Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Namibia have slightly increased last year with the total number of TB cases amounting to 9,953 in 2015, according to figures released by the health ministry.

The figures were revealed by health minister Bernard Haufiku during the commemoration of the World TB Day in Omusati region (about 790 kilometers from Windhoek) in the north of the country on March 24.

Haufiku said World Health Organization statistics shows that Namibia is the fourth worst affected country in the world and that over the years, the country has been in the top 10 of most affected countries.

He said tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death in Namibia and that the increase in the last two years was because of improved diagnostics realized by introducing the latest technology for TB diagnosis. Total cases in 2014 stood at 9,882.

"We will continue to ensure that Namibia is not left behind as these new technologies become available," Haufiku said.

While acknowledging that it is not an easy task to fight TB, Haufiku encouraged health workers, TB field promoters and lifestyle ambassadors to work together and reach everyone who needs TB diagnosis, treatment, care and support.

The WHO country representative for Namibia Monir Islam whose speech was read on his behalf said about nine million cases of TB are recorded worldwide every year, but about three million cases go undiagnosed.

"Although it is evident that the previously increasing trend of TB cases has been halted and the region is observing a declining trend, it is important to reach, treat and cure all patients, especially vulnerable people," Islam said. Enditem