FOOD VENDORS IN IMO STATE TO UNDERGO COMPULSORY MEDICAL CHECK

Imo State Government says 1,143 cases of tuberculosis were recorded in health facilities in the area last year. The Commissioner for Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Njoku made this known in Owerri while addressing newsmen on the burden of the diseases in the State.

She however expressed regret that there were still thousands of unreported cases of tuberculosis in the state which she said had led to the spread of  the disease. According to the Commissioner, government will soon embark on compulsory check of health status of food vendors and others in the hospitality industry to protect the lives of the people.

Mrs. Njoku  noted that Imo State had TB Care Centers in all the twenty-seven local government headquarters and urged people to avail themselves of the opportunity to know their status. Mrs. Njoku while appealing to parents to ensure the immunization of  their babies against tuberculosis, noted that steps were being taken by the government  to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

The State TB Control Officer, Doctor Gabriel Madu, advised the people to stay in well-ventilated environment always to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Imo State is said to be among the twenty-two states with high prevalence of tuberculosis cases the country.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU