Officials of Afghan – Japan hospital in Kabul have informed of increasing patients with tuberculosis comparing to past two years. According to officials of the hospital, more than 12,000 patients suffering from TB have visited the hospital since the beginning of the current year.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health says 850 TB centers are operating for treatment of TB patients across the country.
Ziagul, suffering from TB and hospitalized at Afghan–Japan hospital, says her health is improving by passing each single day and she is happy of the services being provided at the hospital.
“I was coughing and had some other symptoms of tuberculosis, but private clinic prescribed with some medicines. Then I was referred to the Afghan–Japan hospital and my TB was diagnosed,” Ziagul said.
Most TB patients from provinces are under treatment at the Afghan–Japan hospital.
“I was sick and coughing repeatedly. I had lots of medicines but saw no results,” Qais, a TB patient said. He added that his TB has been diagnosed at the Afghan–Japan hospital and his health condition was improving now.
Medics at the Afghan–Japan hospital have expressed concern over increasing of TB patients at the hospital.
“Tuberculosis patients referred to the Afghan–Japan hospital have been increasing for the past two years. In 2021, 13,600 patients were referred to this hospital, while 12,600 patients diagnosed with TB have been referred to the hospital since March 21 of the current year, showing increase comparing to last year,” said Dr. Rahmatullah Waziri director of the Afghan–Japan hospital.
Meanwhile, the country’s ministry of public health says more than 1,000 patients have been diagnosed with TB by National Tuberculosis Program in the past one year. According to the MoPH, health services have been provided to the TB patients as there are 850 TB centers operating across the country.
Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of patients suffering from various forms of tuberculosis has reached to 7,500 in 2022.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen), glands, bones and nervous system. TB is a potentially serious condition, but it can be cured if it’s treated with the right antibiotics.
It is worth mentioning that a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody, weight loss, night sweats, high temperature, tiredness and fatigue, loss of appetite and swellings in the neck are some typical symptoms of tuberculosis.
Saida Ahmadi
Patients with tuberculosis rising in Afghanistan
