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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 Nassau, The Bahamas - Public Health officials’ use of “innovative technology” such as Geographical Information Mapping Systems (GIS) to track and map persons infected with tuberculosis is expected to further advance the surveillance and management of those cases in The Bahamas, Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Thursday.
Dr. Minnis said the implementation of the GIS Mapping system will also allow public health officials to provide more “regular updates” on disease protocols and procedures which he says will accelerate the reduction of the incidences and the prevalence of tuberculosis in The Bahamas.
The Health Minister’s comments came during the annual observance of World Tuberculosis Day Thursday, March 24, 2011. The Day is designed to build public awareness to the global epidemic of tuberculosis and address efforts to eliminate the disease.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases despite the efforts of world health officials and continues to infect one-third of the world’s population with almost nine million persons becoming sick from the disease annually. There are almost two million deaths annually.
Tuberculosis is also the leading cause of death in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
“While deaths from tuberculosis do occur in The Bahamas, particularly in persons co-infected with HIV, the Ministry of Health has recognised the need for greater outreach to this vulnerable population and has adopted a more collaborative approach to TB/HIV activities for enhanced health outcomes for co-infected persons,” Dr. Minnis added.
Dr. Minnis said public health officials saw a decrease in the number of persons infected with, and treated for, tuberculosis from 46 in 2009, to 33 in 2010.
He said the “dedicated efforts” of the National TB Programme, the DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course Strategy) Programme, the National Disease Surveillance Unit, in particular the tuberculosis team, have contributed to the decline in the number of cases.
The Health Minister said the Ministry of Health, with the support of the Pan American Health Organisation and “other partners” also facilitated the training of staff in the TB Unit via online courses, participation in regional conferences on TB and Lung Diseases and quarterly participation in telephone discussions on the management of TB cases and TB/HIV cases in the region and internationally, which has also positively impacted the surveillance, treatment and care of cases.
“Such training paid dividends as staff from the TB Unit and Princess Margaret Hospital laboratory participated in developing and implementing a Caribbean guideline for the care, treatment and control of TB and TB/HIV,” Dr. Minnis said.
“Our National TB Programme utilises quality laboratory procedures and with contact tracing activities, ensures that all individuals who may have been exposed to tuberculosis by coming into contact with a case, are effectively screened and placed on the appropriate treatment protocol.”
Dr. Minnis said despite the success, public health officials will remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to all reported cases of tuberculosis.
“Together we are forging new and stronger partnerships in the fight against tuberculosis and we will move toward the goal of eliminating this disease from our shores,” Dr. Minnis added.
© Copyright 2011 by thebahamasweekly.com
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