Zimbabwe will soon introduce an integrated Tuberculosis and Diabetes Care pilot project which will enable Tuberculosis patients to be screened for diabetes.
By Hamu Madzedze
Research has shown that those who are diagonised with TB are more likely to be Diabetic.
The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease country director Doctor Christopher Zishiri said they will be working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care in carrying out the project.
“The project will be implemented through Harare city health department and selected polyclinics will carry out the screening program”.said Doctor Zishiri.
He said they have already sourced money for the project which will run until next year.
The director added that results from the pilot project will determine the way forward.
Meanwhile the deputy director in the AIDS and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care , Doctor Charles Sandy said this project is important considering that ten percent of TB cases globally are linked to Diabetes.
Doctor Sandy also said they have also recommended that every diabetes patient be screened for Tubeculosis.
Zimbabwe is one of the eight countries in Africa with a high TB burden.
