Mokhotlong __ Department of Health in Mokhotlong joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on Monday.

Speaking at the event held at Pitso ground, the District Public Nurse Ms. 'Noi Ramots'ekhoane said the day is marked annually on March 24 to further raise public awareness of TB disease so as to strengthen prevention against the deadly disease.

She said the date also marked the day on which Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease in 1882.

Ms. Ramots'ekhoane explained that TB, though one of the deadly diseases, is curable when a person diagnosed with it adheres to treatment.

She said this year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” adding that the theme gives nations the opportunity to reflect on the efforts taken to combat the disease.

Speaking at the same event, Mr. Teboho Mahemu from Department of Education and Training said the role of the Ministry is to ensure learners are educated about health issues to enhance prevention of diseases to achieve a healthy nation, free from diseases such as TB.

Mr. Mahemu explained that health education should be included in school’s curriculum urging teachers to do their part in instilling prevention measures against diseases so that learners can grow up knowing how they can properly protect themselves.

One of the TB survivors, Mrs. 'Mamaieane Mapesela said she was diagnosed with TB disease in 2005 and went through treatment for three years as the disease kept recurring after the first six months she started using the treatment.

She said that TB is curable and advised the public to go for its screening and take treatment adding that she survived because of the support, care and love she received from nurses and family.

TB is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which most often affects the lungs. TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit.

The day’s activities included a fun walk that began from Alliance Complex to Pitso ground where other activities such speeches, health education by Mantsopa institute, TB screening and testing for other diseases such as HIV/AIDS were held.

A moment of silence was also observed in honour of people who died of the disease.