30 Gaya islanders infected with TB – Junz
KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural Pulau Gaya Health Program has been initiated in light of the increasing number of dengue, tuberculosis (TB) and cholera cases on the island in 2018.
According to Agriculture and Food Industry minister Datuk Junz Wong, around 30 Gaya islanders have been infected with TB and dengue had increased by 50% there.
“One-third of the total require further treatment at the hospital due to unstable or severe conditions.
“Hence, this week's special health program for the Gaya Island community was held for a week to raise awareness on the dangers of TB,” said Junz, whose speech was delivered by Ko-Nelayan Sabah chairman Awang Ahmad Shah Sahari, at the program's launching ceremony at Segama Waterfront here yesterday.
“Early detection of TB is very important for effective treatment. Hence, the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office has provided mobile buses to detect people suffering from tuberculosis at an early stage through physiological and x-ray tests.
“Dengue fever is also a major problem in Pulau Gaya. In 2018, dengue fever cases increased by more than 50% and most cases were among school children. As a result, this program provides health education and guides on the use of Aedes mosquito rations in places of reservoir and water storage,” he shared.
Junz said the program also encouraged community mobilization to effectively prevent dengue at all levels.
He added the program included the implementation of Communication for Behavioral Change (COMBI), KICKDenggi seminar and ‘Ayuh Gempur Aedes' gotong royong.
“The cholera disease is a main problem in Pulau Gaya. Therefore, the Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office also organized stool sample tests. This is intended for prevention and early-detection of cholera cases on this island,” said Junz.
Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office Epidemiology officer Dr Sahrol Nizam Abu Bakar, who is also a public health specialist, said the highest increase amongst the three diseases was dengue in 2018.
However, he said the situation is under control, adding that he couldn't reveal the statistics without permission by his superiors.
So far, Dr Sahrol said 346 people have gone through x-ray and 9% have been found abnormal.
“Two hundred abate (Aedes mosquito larvae poison) have been distributed and taught to the Kampung Lok Kurai, Kampung Pondo, Kampung Pulau Gaya Proper and Kampung Kesuapan communities,” he shared.
“Around 305 children in Pulau Gaya have been given immunization injections that had never been administered the vaccination or missed from treatment. Around 62 samples of food, water and stools have been tested for cholera,” added Dr Sahrol.
The program was done with the cooperation of Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Police, Marine Police, UPPM, SABATA, BERNAS Sabah, PBiS and community representatives. Also present was Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.