Sana'a - Saba:
Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shaiban on Monday inaugurated a free medical camp for tuberculosis (TB) and chest diseases at the Tuberculosis Hospital in al-Jarda'a. The National Tuberculosis Control Program is organizing the camp, coinciding with World Tuberculosis Day, under the slogan "Yes, We Can End Tuberculosis."
Minister Shaiban emphasized that the camp aligns with the ministry's plan and the government's program to alleviate citizens' suffering and provide quality medical services. He highlighted the importance of early TB detection and chest disease treatment, praising the efforts of primary care, therapeutic medicine sectors, and the National Tuberculosis Control Program in implementing the camp.
Dr. Shaiban also stressed the need for increased public awareness regarding chest disease screening, noting that "Not all chest diseases are tuberculosis, and screening is the early detection of tuberculosis, if present."
Dr. Ihab al-Saqqaf, Director General of the National Tuberculosis Control Program, told the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that the three-day camp, the first of its kind, aims to facilitate early detection and effective treatment of TB and chest diseases. It also seeks to educate the community about the risks, transmission, and prevention of TB.
He stated that the camp will use the latest equipment and laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis and will provide free treatment based on international protocols.
Dr. al-Saqqaf confirmed the participation of specialized consultants in chest and respiratory diseases. The camp targets pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, drug-resistant TB, and chest TB cases, as well as respiratory infections, contacts of TB patients, and individuals with persistent coughs, high fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or breathing difficulties.
Additionally, the Minister of Health and Environment inaugurated a mobile vehicle for the early detection of TB and chest diseases.
Dr. Ehab al-Saqqaf explained that the vehicle is equipped with a portable chest x-ray unit, GeneXpert devices for rapid TB detection, and a mobile laboratory for sample testing (including sputum).
Dr. Al-Saqqaf noted that the mobile unit includes a specialized medical team and provides completely free services, including diagnosis, medication, and follow-up.
He emphasized that the vehicle complements the program's efforts to combat respiratory diseases and reach underserved communities. The goal is to extend diagnostic services to rural and remote areas lacking health facilities and to detect TB and drug-resistant TB cases early.
Al-Saqqaf added that patients will receive immediate on-site treatment, with ongoing follow-up and health education in the targeted communities.
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