Newham Council is raising awareness for tuberculosis on World TB Day, taking place today.
It is working in partnership with NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Barts Health NHS Trust to dispel the myths around the treatable TB and promote various options for those diagnosed with the disease.
Newham has the highest number of tuberculosis cases in the country, according to Public Health England, although this number has reduced in the last four years.
Cllr Clive Furness, mayoral advisor for adults and health, said: “One of the ways we are helping to fight the disease is through tackling overcrowding and poor housing.
“It is a serious disease but one that modern medicine can tackle quickly and effectively.”
Free GP screenings and treatments for TB are available to new patients, with all newborn babies eligible for a BCG vaccine.
Dr Prakash Chandra, local GP and chair of Newham CCG said: “The most effective way to prevent the spread of TB is by diagnosing people as soon as possible and making sure they have a full course of correct treatment.
“If you are invited to be screened for latent TB, please do make sure that you take up this opportunity.”
For more information visit newhamccg.nhs.uk/
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