Zomba prison inmates advised on TB screening

Story Workshop Education Trust (Swet) says the battle against tuberculosis (TB) at Zomba Central Prison can be won if inmates undergo regular TB screening.

Swet monitoring and evaluation officer Emmanuel Nthara said this on Tuesday at the Zomba Central Prison, where the organisation, in collaboration with the Zomba District Health Office (DHO) held a TB awareness campaign.

The awareness was aimed at reducing the number of new TB infections through multiple strategies, including regular screening.

During the campaign, it was found that inmates are at a high risk of contracting the disease due to congestion in the cells.

“Our target is to bring awareness to the inmates on the causes, signs as well as prevention of TB so that they develop the interest of getting screened and be on treatment when they are diagnosed with the disease,” he said.

Zomba DHO spokesperson Arnold Mndalira said TB is curable, but it becomes complex when people delay to start treatment.

“TB patients have to rush to hospitals for treatment earlier than wasting time seeking other remedies that only ruin their lives,” he said.

Zomba Central Prison clinician superintendent Lawrence Kachitsotso said the prison envisions having TB-free inmates.

“We meet TB inmates every day to ensure that they take medical drugs in our presence and we follow up those who abscond,” he said. n