Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says that the fact that over the years the number of Tuberculosis cases has declined is proof of the good work that has been done to fight it.
Waqainabete says tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide but fortunately in Fiji we do not have it on a scale as some other countries.
Waqainabete says in the 1960’s Fiji had a high rate of tuberculosis cases and patients were kept isolated although it is a curable disease.
He told the patients of Twomey Hospital in Suva that they may have a disease that only a few people have but the Fijian Government will not hold back in making sure that they receive all necessary treatment.
In 2018, it was estimated that 5 out of 10,000 Fijians around the country had Tuberculosis although in the Suva - Lami corridor it was estimated to be 9 of every 10,000 people.
He says it is time for Fijians to get behind the cause and say my children and grandchildren will not see or hear of TB.
