By James Alomu

The Teso sub-region has recorded 467 tuberculosis (TB) patients in the last three months, highlighting the continued burden of the disease, as the Ministry of Health handed over a TB Mobile Clinic Van to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital to strengthen community screening and treatment.

During the handover, Tusumisirize Didas, the National Coordinator for Mobile TB Services, said the mobile clinic is designed to provide same-day TB screening, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment. He explained that the van is equipped with a modern digital chest X-ray system that allows results to be displayed immediately on a screen after screening, enabling health workers to make prompt clinical decisions.

Tusumisirize noted that the mobile clinic will also offer additional health services beyond TB care, including testing for HIV, diabetes, and hypertension, making it a comprehensive outreach tool for hard-to-reach communities.

Aloket Ruth Frances, the TB Focal Point Person for the Teso Sub-region, said the region continues to register significant TB cases, noting that statistics indicate at least 20 people test positive for TB out of every 1,000 individuals screened. She revealed that a total of 467 TB patients were identified across the Teso sub-region over the past three months, with figures compiled from all districts after each testing cycle.

She urged the public to seek medical attention whenever they experience a persistent cough, emphasizing that early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing the spread of TB.

Benzy Omoya, the Principal Hospital Administrator at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, welcomed the mobile clinic, saying it will improve outreach efforts by enabling health workers to reach people in markets and other public gathering places. He called on local leaders to mobilize communities to ensure residents take advantage of the screening services whenever the mobile clinic is deployed.

Health officials say the introduction of the TB Mobile Clinic Van is expected to enhance early detection and treatment of tuberculosis in the Teso sub-region, contributing to improved public health outcomes.