13,600 have TB in Jambi

JAMBI, Jambi: About 13,600 poor people in Jambi have tuberculosis, according to the local branch of the Organization for Eradication of Tuberculosis.

Organization chief Hertyanto Hendardji said here yesterday an estimated 2,300 live in absolute poverty and many have no family.

Hertyanto said the people afflicted are between 15 years and 45 years and are from impoverished families.

"People in Jambi generally consider the disease a family disgrace and they are reluctant to have medical checkups in the early stage," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Local heath officials have identified cigarette smoke and air pollution from factories as environmental problems that aggravate the situation.

Hertyanto said tuberculosis remains a problem in Indonesia, where per capita income is US$1,025. About 175 people die of the disease every year, he added.

He reckoned that in Jambi, which has a population of two million, every person with tuberculosis may transmit the disease to about five people every year. (pan)