TB prevalent in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku: Twenty-four out of every 1,000 people in Maluku suffer from tuberculosis.

Dr. H.I. Umarella, head of the Maluku health office, told Antara that the unhealthy living pattern of the people, who lacked nutrition, makes them prone to tuberculosis.

Smoking, a habit which around 50 percent high school students have picked up, makes them even more vulnerable to the disease.

"Health campaigns at schools need to be improved to prevent more students from smoking inside or outside the school," he said.

Tuberculosis patients could be cured within six months if they regularly sought medical treatment, which is available at most community health centers, he said.

Maluku is now targeting cutting the number of TB sufferers to 10 for every 1,000 people in the next five years. (sim)