49 out of every 100,000 Fijians were diagnosed with Tuberculosis and about 4 of those infected passed away due to the disease.
This was confirmed by the 2017 data on TB published by the Ministry of Health as they prepare to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day on Friday.
Acting Medical Superintendent Tamavua Twomey Hospital Dr Mike Kama highlighted that TB can be easily spread if not managed properly.
Kama says the risk of airborne transmission of TB is highest in environments that are overcrowded and poorly ventilated adding that people with pre‑existing HIV or diabetes conditions are at higher risk of developing TB.
He says that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is committed to achieving the 2035 global End‑TB program targets of reducing TB incidence and deaths by 90% and 95% respectively, and ceasing the high costs associated with the disease.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Health & Medical Services will be commemorating the event in 20 different locations countrywide and it will also be holding TB screening for the general public in selected communities.
