Edo government on Saturday in Benin urged residents to take advantage of government’s free tuberculosis treatment.
Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, told newsmen that government would continue to accord priority to the health needs of the people.
“Tuberculosis is not a death sentence and Edo government has evolved measures, which include free treatment of tuberculosis in health centres across the state,’’ he said.
Ojeifo identified symptoms of tuberculosis to include persistent cough that has stayed for more than a week, cough that contains blood, and consistent emaciation.
He advised persons with such symptoms to visit the hospital for medical attention.
He said the state government would continue to enlighten and sustain awareness on the dangers of tuberculosis, symptoms and preventive measures to be taken against the spread of the disease.
Ojeifo charged members of the public to go for regular medical check-ups, including testing for tuberculosis.
WHO representative in Nigeria, Dr Efemena Onowugbeda, said the organisation was poised to supporting the state government in tackling tuberculosis.
Babies would be given BCG vaccination at birth and during routine immunisation, the official said.
