By Maimuna Sey-Jawo
The Medical Research Council The Gambia (MRCG) on Thursday embarked on a day-long sensitisation forum for the communities of Pirang in the West Coast Region on the prevention of Tuberculosis.
The forum, according to officials was aimed at sensitising inhabitants of the area about the prevention, risk, signs and symptoms of tuberculosis which is part of MRCG Gambia’s activities.
Speaking at the event Dr. Olumuyiwa Owolabi clinician at MRCG, said it is part of MRCG’s activities to do research, monitor and to see how people are responding to their medical treatment, development of vaccine and other related issues in order to prevent TB in The Gambia.
“We are today in Pirang to educate the community and also do tests. People with TB will start receiving treatment today and after treatment they are cured. Gambia is among the 30 countries in the whole world where we have TB prevalence.”
He noted that TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. In most cases he noted, TB is treatable and curable, however a person with TB can die if they do not get proper treatment.
He said the sensitization in Pirang is just the begging as they are to visit so many communities to draw people’s attention to this disease.
Dr. O assured that MRCG will work hand in hand with the Government of the Gambia and the TB controls office in order to eradicate this disease in the country.
For her part, Kaddy Touray of Pirang, thanked MRCG for coming to their community to enlighten them about TB, its prevention and cure.
