Iruthisham: Result of efforts to control TB unsatisfactory

Health Minister Iruthisham Adam has said that no satisfaction could be derived from efforts to control Tuberculosis (TB), and there was still room for the disease to spread in the country.

Speaking during the ceremony held at National Art Gallery on Sunday to mark World TB Day, Iruthisham said that Maldivian society was very congested, meaning that there was chance the disease could spread in the country.

“Many parties have started noting now that TB could spread in Maldives. Maldives too has a congested society. Therefore, there is room for the disease to spread,” said Iruthisham.

Iruthisham said that it was the aim of both World Health Organization and Maldivian government to completely wipe out the disease. And said that health experts were ready to do whatever needed to be done to eliminate the disease.

Former Manager of TB Control Program Shamima Hussein, who spent the greater part of her life immersed in efforts to control TB, and winner of SAARC TB Award 2015, was awarded during the ceremony.

She was handed over the award by member of governing board of SAARC TB and HIV Center, Dr. Abdul Azeez Yoosuf.

In addition to this, Shameema was also given a plaque in appreciation of her services on behalf of Maldivian government by Minister Iruthisham.