By: Tochi Onyeubi
KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation an international Non – profit organization dedicated to the fight against Tuberculosis in partnership with the Imo state government through the health ministry, has flagged off her free TB and covid 19 screening and testing.
This initiative of KNCV and funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, through the Imo state department for Public Health is aimed at providing massive integrated covid19 and Tuberculosis screening and testing campaign.
Speaking with the Executive Director KNCV TB Nigeria, Dr. Bethran Odume at the Imo state Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, he stated that the project which is domiciled in other 14 states of the federation including Imo, received support for TB and covid response team in the state, which was equally tested in Kaduna state yielding massive results.
He informed that the programme termed Wellness on Wheel truck came complete with every testing equipment for covid and TB designed for community based active covid case file.
According to him, the truck is equipped with the gene Xpat and xtray machine which can be used to dictate covid and TB in a couple of hours automatically.
Speaking also the Senior Programme Officer of KNCV for Imo state, Dr. Golibe Ugochukwu noted that covid and tuberculosis being a viral and bacterial infection respectively, have similar symptoms affecting the respiratory organ, therefore there was need for wide spread testing.
He added that people mobilized for screening and testing by the health ministry, will have free tuberculosis treatment if positive, while those for covid will be linked to treatment centers on the laid down NCDC guidelines.
Dr. Ugochukwu however assured that preparations are on ground to move the truck to other parts of the state.
One of the beneficiaries Emeka Okolie from Arondizuogu but resides within the state capital, appreciated the state government for the initiative which he said was a good effort, advised the state ministry to make the process more clear and efficient.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health Imo state, Dr. Damaris Osunkwo during the flag off ceremony, acknowledged development partners and Imo state government for their support.
