Tuberculosis: Adamawa trains 500 volunteers

In its bid to ensure that tuberculosis is detected early, Adamawa state government is organizing a two-day training focusing on early detection and prevention of tuberculosis (TB) in the 21 local government areas of the state.
No fewer than 500 volunteers are participating in the training that is also going on simultaneously at two other centres in Mubi and Ganye.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Yola on Monday, the Coordinator of state TB Control Programme, Dr Stephen John said the training was aimed at improving patients’ access to tuberculosis through social mobilization and community-based participation.
The training, organized by the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is also aimed at encouraging communities on the sustainability of TB control programme in the state.
Dr. John therefore, assured the volunteers that they would be equipped with skills in the identification of suspected cases and referrals for diagnosis and follow-ups.
At the end of the training, volunteers would also be equipped with the ability to observe treatments, recognize danger signs and referrals and provision of health promotion and education skills to assist in tracking defaulters.
In addition, volunteers would be trained in the collection and transportation of suspected sputum samples to microscopy centres.
“The workshop is to empower TB patients and communities through proper education of its members to identify and refer suspected TB cases for early diagnosis and treatment,’’ the coordinator said.
The state Commissioner for Local Governments Affairs, Dr Salihu Bakari, in his remarks, enjoined participants to apply the acquired knowledge to the benefit of their communities.
According to him, the training was part of government’s conscious effort towards controlling Tuberculosis and Leprosy in the state.