OF the 312 tuberculosis patients recorded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services last year, 85 per cent were iTaukei.
Research undertaken by the ministry last year found that 60 per cent of those with the disease were between 15 and 45 years old.
Speaking during the Methodist Young People’s Department regional rally in Labasa on Wednesday the Grant Management Unit’s manager based at the Ministry of Health, Vasiti Taylor, said 60 per cent of those recorded living with the disease last year were iTaukei men.
“This is serious because the disease is closely linked to other diseases like HIV/AIDS and diabetes,” she said.
“Therefore, if you have been coughing for a week, have cold sweats at night, coughing blood and losing weight you need to visit your nearest hospital and get checked.
“We at the unit need the support of the church, the communities and individuals to raise awareness on curbing the disease because we cannot control the disease on our own.
“In order to control the disease, we are urging members of the communities to assist us in ensuring that patients receive their dosage of tablets daily and that those with the disease are treated with care and love in the communities.”
Ms Taylor urged youths to look after their health and change lifestyles if needed.”People need to have enough supply of fresh air, reduce the consumption of yaqona, develop a positive mental attitude and drink clean water,” she said.
“You need to take fresh supplies of vegetables and root crops daily, sleep at the right time and exercise regularly to combat the spread of TB.
“If you suspect that you have developed the symptoms of TB, you need to get checked as soon as possible because early detection is the best prevention.”
