IOM encourages TB testing in South Sudan
March 26, 2016 (JUBA) – International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it has introduced testing and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and encouraged populations in South Sudan to go for testing.
“We want to raise awareness among the IDP community in Bentiu that IOM is providing TB testing and treatment. TB is a curable disease and the community should not be apprehensive to visit health care providers,” explained IOM Migration Health Programme Manager, Kelsi Kriitmaa, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.
TB remains a major public health concern in the country, especially in crowded environments like protection of civilians (PoC) sites where the risk of transmission is high. Since January, IOM has operated a TB testing and treatment lab at the Bentiu PoC site, where nearly 120,000 South Sudanese are seeking protection from the ongoing conflict.
The statement explained that before the opening of the IOM programme, IDPs in Bentiu, Unity state capital, had lacked access to TB testing and treatment since the crisis broke out more than two years ago.
Now with the funding from the government of Japan and the Common Humanitarian Fund, it said the TB treatment in Bentiu is made possible, adding the service is also available to people living in Bentiu town and surrounding areas.
“Since testing at the Bentiu PoC site began in January, IOM has tested 145 people for TB, with 24 people, or 16 per cent, testing positive. This figure is a worrying statistic that hints to a high prevalence of TB among the IDP community,” it said.
For instance, the statement cited one of the patients, Mary, who was diagnosed with TB in January after developing symptoms while eight-months pregnant with her third child. An IOM health promoter referred Mary to the IOM clinic, where she was tested and immediately started on treatment. Shortly after, Mary went into labour and delivered a “healthy baby girl.”
At an event on Thursday at the PoC site, IOM and health partners held activities to promote awareness among the Bentiu population about TB signs and symptoms, prevention measures and access to testing and treatment.
IOM health care staff also work closely with Health Cluster partners and the National Tuberculosis Program at the South Sudan Ministry of Health to address TB needs in South Sudan.
In addition, synergistic health and hygiene promotion activities seek to reduce morbidity in PoC sites through encouraging safe household hygiene habits.
It said the organization remained committed to providing lifesaving health services to vulnerable populations in South Sudan, including treating curable diseases like TB and preventing the spread of disease in crowded displacement sites.
(ST)