Students of Akwamuman Senior High School in the Eastern Region are now armed with knowledge to fight tuberculosis (TB) in their communities, following an awareness campaign organised by the Asuogyaman District Health Directorate to mark World Tuberculosis Day.
Held under the theme “Together We Can End TB,” the programme brought together students and teachers for an interactive session on TB causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. The initiative sought not only to educate participants but also to equip them to act as health ambassadors, spreading critical information within their homes and local communities.
Early Detection and Prevention Key
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Simon Kortey, TB Coordinator at the district health directorate, emphasised that TB remains a major public health concern but is preventable and curable if detected early. He highlighted that while TB primarily affects the lungs, it can impact other organs, and spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, speak, or spit without covering their mouths.
Mr. Kortey encouraged students to adopt preventive habits, such as covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, seeking early medical attention when symptoms arise, and avoiding the stigmatisation of TB patients, which can delay treatment. Common symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and general weakness.
Students Take on Health Ambassador Role
Students expressed enthusiasm about the programme, noting that it corrected misconceptions and gave them tools to protect themselves and their communities. Grace Ofori, a Form Two student, said, “We now understand TB is infectious, not caused by cold weather or dust, and we must report symptoms early.”
Samuel Tetteh added that the campaign empowered students to become advocates for health, sharing vital TB information with family and friends.
World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness and strengthen efforts globally to end TB, a disease that still affects millions worldwide.
