Humana starts Tuberculosis in mining sector programme

Correspondent | Friday December 16, 2016 16:58

 

Tuberculosis in Mining Sector (TIMS) programme started from a recognised need for a regionally harmonised response to the issue of Tuberculosis (TB) and related illnesses in mineworkers, ex-mineworkers, their families and the communities that they live in, and it aims to strengthen active case finding for eight of the 10 countries that TIMS is working in, the countries include Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zambia.

Mineworkers in Southern Africa are at a higher risk of TB due to increased occupational risk factors stemming  from mineral dust, overcrowding and poor ventilation in mines. They regularly travel across national and international borders to visit their families, and this migratory movement increases the risk of transmission of TB infection in the areas that they move in. It also affects the mineworkers’ adherence to treatment, and contributes to the occurrence of a drug resistant TB. TIMS project goal is the reduction of the TB burden in the mining sector within the Southern African countries.

Implementation of TIMS in Botswana started in Palapye, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe this year in November. TIMS was introduced to Mining companies in the three areas, community leadership like Dikgosi and political councillors, as well as local church leadership, Mine Workers Association and most importantly the ex-mine workers in the area. TB screening has commenced in all three places. By the end of November around 2000 people had been screened. They were identified through door to door mobilisation, through referrals from ACHAP staff and through collaborations with health facilities.

Next after TB screening will be collection of sputum and referrals for treatment. All the presumptive cases found will also be offered a test for HIV.

The TIMS programme needs to reach all vulnerable mine workers to be successful in the reduction of TB, thus the need to reach out to mine workers through the media.

For further information on the TIMS programme please contact:

Mr. Kabo Motswasele, Project Coordinator, TIMS Programme

+267 76155690 at any time during working hours.

Kind Regards,

Nametsegang Sebego

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