Rinat Akhmetov Foundation provides free screening for tuberculosis
In anticipation of World TB Day (March 24th), Rinat Akhmetov Foundation for Development of Ukraine within the "Stop TB in Ukraine" program has provided the possibility for Kyiv citizens and visitors for free x-rays and consultation with TB doctor. It is possible between March 19 and 28 by the mobile digital fluorography, which is 5-10 times less irradiant for human than traditional x-rays. The screening provides for early detection of lung diseases, including TB and other chest disorders. Early disease identification contributes to timely treatment being the key to successful recovery.
Rinat Akhmetov Foundation implements the initiative of free mobile fluorography for four years in a row.It has already proven its effectiveness in identifying TB suspects at places of “risk groups” concentration, particularly at train stations. For example, last year, 14 TB cases were revealed during 2 weeks, including 10 with active form. Therefore, this year the fluorography was placed at the railway station and the main street of Kyiv.
This year, for the 7 days of the fluorography operation 788 people have screened their chests and received TB doctor’s consultation. During this period, the following was revealed:
- 6 new TB cases (3 – active TB, and 3 – early detected form);
- 7 cases of pneumonia;
- 50 cases of chronic obstructive bronchitis;
- 1 case of lung cancer.
Two thirds of those who were screened are people of retirement age. Also, there were those referring for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years in a row. The stir around fluorography was high every single day, and on Friday, March 22 (the very day when Kyiv was all covered with snow), 120 people were examined!
"We invite all those who for various reasons cannot visit a doctor, to use this opportunity, get examined and make chest screening. As it's a good way to detect the early stages of any lung disease, including tuberculosis. And if you have a prolonged cough lasting more than 3 weeks you should be alarmed and contact your family doctor immediately. The role of prevention is very important as this disease is easier to prevent rather than to fight"- said Maria Makovetskaya, head of advocacy, communication and social mobilization team at the Program "Stop TB in Ukraine".
After termination of this event everyone can do x-rays in his/her domiciliary clinic.
More information about the disease you can find on the website www.stoptb.in.ua or by contacting Ukrainian TB hotline 0 800 503 080 (free from landline phones).
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