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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 26 Mar 2007 Title: WHO to send an expert to SA as 10 more cases of XDR-TB detected --------------------------------------------------------------- By Lucky Khumalo Bhisho - The World Health Organisation (WHO) is expected to send an expert to South Africa this week, amid the finding of 10 more cases of Extremely Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in the Eastern Cape, Acting Health Minister Jeff Radebe said Saturday. This brings to 54 the number of XDR-TB cases reported in the province since November 2006. Mr Radebe was in the province to mark International TB Day. He said the WHO expert would arrive in the country this week and would offer technical assistance in the management of XDR-TB. "The assistance will include advice on training and management of XDR-TB cases, infection control, improvement of surveillances system and laboratory services," minister Radebe said. The minister announced R3.6 million worth of funding for infection control measures in all health facilities countrywide and urged patients to continue to take their medication. The Eastern Cape Health department announced that R180 million has been set aside to curb the spread of TB. Spokesperson for the provincial health department Sizwe Kupelo said the department had established a TB crisis plan that would focus on the Nelson Mandela, Amathole and OR Tambo District Municipalities. He said the three district municipalities had been targeted because of the high number of ordinary TB cases reported. "The department is now looking at a 50% TB cure rate in the targeted areas," said Kupelo. Furthermore, he said, the department would embark on a massive awareness and advocacy campaign on XDR-TB and Multi Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) in the province. "The department has also hired 1 422 unemployed youths, who will monitor patients to ensure they take their medication regularly. This will help ensure that the patients did not develop the XDR-TB. "Although, TB was a curable disease, patients' non compliance with TB control programmes and the increase in HIV and AIDS infection levels contribute to the emergence of XDR-TB," he said. Isolation wards for the 10 XDR-TB patients have been set up in the Mthatha and East London Hospitals. Kupelo said the situation was under control, and the department would ensure that the infectious disease did not spread to other parts of the province. - BuaNews |
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