Fiji plans to eliminate TB by 2020
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has partnered with local stakeholders and launched its National TB Strategic Plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the country by 2020.
Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta says the Plan is part of World Health Organization's stand to end TB by 2035.
"Globally, each day 24,000 new cases of TB is diagnosed and 4000 people will die as a result of the disease," he said while launching the plan on Friday night.
"At least a quarter of the world population is infected with the bacteria that cause TB. However, only 10 per cent of these individuals will go on to develop the disease, when their immune system weakens."
The Strategic Plan will see government departments, NGOs and health experts working to eliminate TB over a five-year period.
Source: The Fiji Times Online
