Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to the reduction and spread of the scourge of tuberculosis in addition to the provision of succour to sufferers of the disease in the state.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Ejiro Ogheneaga made this known recently when KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and USAID representative donated Truenat Machine to the management of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba.
The permanent secretary commended the foundation for its kind gesture and assured the tuberculosis foundation that the hospital would put the device to good use for the benefit of patient.
Earlier, the representative of USAID and leader of the state team, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Dr Ajumuka Emmanuel, stated that the donation was because Asaba Specialist Hospital had been made a directly observed therapy (DOT) center where patient can be screened, diagnosed and receive tuberculosis treatment.
“Just like the Gene expert machine, the Truenat TB test is a new molecular test that can diagnose TB in one hour as well as testing for resistance to the drug rifampicin as there are now several different assays which have expanded the capability of the test,” Dr Ajumuka said.
He further disclosed that the foundation is committed to tackling the scourge of tuberculosis in the state adding that, they have also extended some donations to some other hospitals within the state.
Present at the ceremony were Dr Mrs Peace Ighosewe, Chief Medical Director, Asaba Specialist Hospital; Mr Alex Dafe, Director Administration, Asaba Specialist Hospital, and Dr Harrison Ejiyere, Consultant, Public Health Physician.
