In a bid to reduce the number of Loss-To-Follow-Up on Tuberculosis (TB) patients, the Eastern Cape Department of Health is strengthening its fight against the scourge of TB disease by tracing and bringing back patients that are not adhering to treatment.
As such, the department noticed that some patients once down referred for continuity of care, are not adhering to treatment and care provided by the receiving health facilities. In certain cases, patients have interrupted or completely stopped treatment. These patients have become Lost-To-Follow-Up patients that we are trying to trace.
Some patients are not known at the addresses that they had given on admission, whereas others have given cellphone numbers that are no longer available on the network. This poses a threat to themselves, their families and the community at large as TB remains infectious when not treated successfully.
TB disease in Lost to Follow up TB patients may progress, causing the patients to be very sick and may even die, yet TB is curable.
The department has identified hot spot areas and embarked on household activities in tracing and finding the missing TB patients.
The department will this Friday, September 23, conduct an open day at Nkqubela TB hospital as part of providing an opportunity to create public awareness in the fight against TB and other health services.
