Zimbabwe - the TB problem we face

Written by Regina Bhebhe Friday, 11 September 2009 14:06

Welcome to the Regina Bhebhe blog. For the past nine years I have been in the NTP programme - that is the national tuberculosis programme for the whole of Zimbabwe - because of this I know exactly what is happening on the ground.

This year I came-up with an organisation that works with the communities; I am trying to combat stigma and discrimination associated with TB in Zimbabwe.

Community-based Early Tuberculosis Diagnosis Initiative and Consultancy (CBETDIC) is a non - profit community-based organisation whose main purpose is to combat stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis.  Although the Organisation mostly works in the Southern region of the country, consultancy takes place in all provinces in Zimbabwe. Our work mainly involves in combating stigma and

I am doing advocacy, communication and social mobilisation - I give lectures about TB to the affected and the effected.

We need community involvement and patient involvement, including government, in order to have a viable and accountable programme.

Presently we do not have adequate levels of tuberculosis reagents and consumables for diagnosis. Our laboratories are at zero performance.

The affected community and the infected TB patients are unable to differentiate between tuberculosis and HIV. This results in a a serious stigma if they are TB positive and instead think it is another form of HIV.

There is a need for serious advocacy for both the community, the TB patient and the health care provider.

There is a break down of communication amongst our health care providers in Zimbabwe - if you think you know the signs and symptoms of TB they can send the person away as many providers are not a doctor or nurse.

I would like to finish my first post with a philosophy that guides me in my work:

God requires those to whom He has given sacred trusts to rise to the full height of their responsiblities. Increased responsiblities bring accountability. He who would be a faithful servant must give entire and willing service to the greatest teacher.