TB Patients In Ambon Increase, 1,296 Cases Reported During 2022

Illustration of tuberculosis (ANTARA)

ANTARA - The number of people with tuberculosis (TBC) in Ambon City has increased in the last three years. The latest data throughout 2022 reached 1,296 sufferers. Acting Mayor of Ambon, Bodew Wattimena said, the case of TB in Ambon City has increased in the last three years where in 2020 the number of new cases of TBC 716 sufferers, in 2021 (961), and in 2022 (1,296) sufferers. This figure provides indications that the transmission rate of TB in the community in Ambon City is still quite high, so efforts must be made to be able to reduce the morbidity and death rate due to TBC," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, April 4. While the number of deaths of TBC sufferers in 2020 there were 32 deaths, 2021 (23) and 2022 (23). He stated, the Ambon City Health Service, intensively carried out screening and finding of TB cases in an effort to achieve the TBC elimination target by 2030. TBC case coverage was carried out by cadres who were tasked with finding suspected patients, providing assistance and treatment for patients of the disease until recovery. "The case coverage was carried out using supporting applications for the acceleration of tuberculosis or Garb TBC, by implementing the essential GPS system, in order to find out TBC pockets at a number of points in Ambon City," he said.Bodewin admitted, the screening that was carried out had increased significantly, where so far 25-17 cases were found 25-17 per month, but using Grab TBC applications it was found that 825 suspected cases within a period of two months. "Of the 825 suspected cases of 56 positive TBC, the transmission is extraordinary, therefore we will continue to conduct screening and discovery of cases," he said.

He hopes that after screening, if it is positive, the patient will undergo treatment until he recovers. "TBC when found early and treated can be completely cured," he said.