Lung Impairments Common in Ex-TB Patients, Group Says
Led by TB survivors, the group builds grassroots capacity to boost TB detection and treatment access.
SALIMA, Malawi - Seventy percent of ex-tuberculosis patients assessed in 2022 have experienced health problems after recovery, with 60 percent of those reporting lung impairments, according to a patients advocacy group, writes Meclina Chirwa.
"There is need for the country to focus more and invest on post TB disabilities," said Sitingawawo Kachingwe, board chairperson of the Paradizo TB Patients Trust.
The group revealed the findings during a recent health worker training on managing post-TB disabilities in Salima.
The session aimed to boost expertise in handling lung damage and other persistent health troubles in people previously treated for TB.
"The training will help us gain knowledge and skills of assisting people with post-TB disabilities," said Lusekero Munthali, a TB nurse at Mzuzu Central Hospital who attended the orientation.
The National TB and Leprosy Elimination Program said it is taking steps to address the issue.
"We will ensure that we are able to measure the magnitude of the problem in the country," said Dr. Tisungane Mwenyenkulu, the program's research, care and treatment officer.
The Paradizo TB Patients Trust works to empower those affected by TB, HIV and AIDS to make informed healthcare decisions from a human rights perspective.
Led by TB survivors, the group builds grassroots capacity to boost TB detection and treatment access.
"Initially we had a project called post-TB rehabilitation project. ... After working in that project the ministry of health picked up the project so that they can continue to implement it at national level," Kachingwe said.