Zimpeto Community Health Sensitization
Leading up to World Tuberculosis Day, the first community tuberculosis (TB) sensitization and screening event for APOPO TB Mozambique took place on March 9th, at the busy wholesale market of Zimpeto, a well-frequented area on the outskirts of KaMubukwana urban district, Maputo city.
APOPO nurse Madalena Feliciano, participated actively with the district clinical team as they spoke to hundreds of people to increase community awareness around the signs and symptoms of TB, and mitigate TB stigma. 80 people stepped up to do a general health check and learn more about TB. All were individually informed about TB, its signs, symptoms, and the additional risk factors, including HIV/ AIDS. The information conveyed also included how and where it is possible to test or to get treatment. Additionally, to screening for TB, other services offered included general medical tests for blood pressure and diabetes, body mass index, vaccinations (Covid-19 and tetanus) and dental hygiene checks.
Among the 80 people, 12 reported potential signs and were considered presumptive TB patients. They were offered a free test which nine accepted. The nine samples were collected on the spot, and transported to APOPO’s laboratory where they were tested. Results were made available at the main health facility of Zimpeto, one of APOPO’s partner clinics, so that the medical team could assign treatment. Thankfully all the results came back negative for TB.
Xiquelene Community Health Sensitization
The second community sensitization and screening event took place on World TB Day itself (March 24) at Xiquelene market, at a busy corner of two main roads and well known for its building supplies, charcoal, and competitive prices. Nurse Madalena, joined the provincial, municipal and district clinical teams from two main clinics, as well as the non-governmental partners. Over 300 people were sensitized about tuberculosis, drawing crowds with an animation truck where a DJ was playing music and showcasing informative videos.
This time 63 people agreed to get tested for TB and provided sputum samples which were collected and transported to the APOPO laboratory where they were tested on the same day. Out of 63 samples tested, two new TB patients were diagnosed. When the patients came in for their results at the main health facility of Mavalane, the healthcare workers registered these two new TB cases and started them on treatment immediately.
We mustn’t forget that TB kills an estimated 1.6 million people each year. An estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2021. About 4.2 million people with TB went undiagnosed and unreported, which represents a significant gap. Losing momentum during COVID came at a high cost in the long run, since TB patients who go untreated today, continue passing on the disease. One person with active pulmonary TB can infect up to 15 people a year! Yet with a full course of treatment and care, they can be cured and stop the spread of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
