Ban Ki-moon: Malaysia's TB eradication efforts remarkable

 

KUALA LUMPUR: UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has commended Malaysia for its examplary tuberculosis (TB) eradication efforts.

He said it was remarkable to see Malaysia provide free TB treatment while integrating the treatment in primary care made a difference in people's life.

"I am humbled and encouraged that the patients are given free and kind service," he said after visiting the Institute of Respiratory Medicine in Jalan Pahang Thursday.

Ban said that he had made it a mission in the UN to eliminate TB with the theme "Stop TB in our Lifetime."

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he was encouraged by Ban's positive affirmation on Malaysia's fight against TB.

He said there was a slight increase in TB cases - 64 per 100,000 population in the last decade compared with 72 per 100,000 now.

However, the Government was making every effort to get those infected treated while 1% of foreign workers who were diagnosed with TB at entry point were sent back to their countries.

In total, foreign workers made up 10% of the 20,000 TB cases in Malaysia.

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