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Ray Bande Manicaland Bureau
Late diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis patients is one of the major causes fuelling TB- related deaths in Makoni district, a medical practitioner has said.

Speaking to journalists during a recent media tour organised by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in partnership with The Union, acting district medical officer for Makoni Dr Lincoln Nyafesi said there had been a steady increase in the TB mortality rate in the district.

“We are observing a steady increase in the number of people who come for diagnosis and subsequent treatment of TB when they have already been affected heavily,” he said.

“This is one of the major reasons we are having an increase in the number of people who are succumbing to the disease. Yes, there are also others who are defaulting on treatment and this has significantly con- tributed to the challenge we are having.

“It is sad that most of our clients come for treatment late when they are already showing signs of other complications such as diabetes.”

Although actual statistics on the mortality rate were not readily available, Dr Nyafesi urged members of the public to undergo TB diagnosis earlier for them to access treatment and increase chances of recuperation.