13,600 have TB in Jambi

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)