Sabah sees 8.9pc drop in Tuberculosis cases
Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025
By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Ching, Maria and other officials at the launching ceremony. SANDAKAN: Sabah recorded an 8.9 per cent drop in tuberculosis (TB) cases in epidemiological week 18 (ME18) up to early May this year, compared to the same period in 2024, said State Health Director, Dr Maria Suleiman. She said a total of 307 TB cases were reported in ME18 this year, compared to 337 cases in the same week last year. Throughout the preceding year, a total of 6,099 TB cases were reported. Up until ME18 this year, the cumulative number of TB cases recorded by the State Health Department (JKNS) is 1,993. 'As for leprosy, six cases were reported in ME18 this year, down from 10 in the same week last year – marking a 40 per cent drop. In total, 57 cases were recorded in 2024, while 35 have been reported so far this year. 'In light of this, JKNS continues to implement various activities and awareness programmes on TB and leprosy to ensure the public remains informed.' She said this during a press conference after attending the State-level World Tuberculosis and Leprosy Day at the PPR Taman Harmoni Hall, here, recently. The event was officiated by Sandakan Parliamentary Coordinator, Tang Tzu Ching, who represented Sandakan MP, Vivian Wong Shir Yee. Also present were Tanjong Papat Assemblyman, Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Jetama Water Sdn Bhd Chairman, Liau Fui Fui, Sandakan Health Officer Dr Mohd Faiz Gahamat, Senior Principal Assistant Director of the JKNS TB and Leprosy Branch, Dr Michelle May D Goroh, Sabah Anti Tuberculosis Association (Sabata) President Julius Raymond, representatives from the Malaysian Leprosy Relief Association (MaLRA) Sandakan, and others. Dr Maria said early detection and screening are important to ensure patients receive treatment until they fully recover. Meanwhile, Ching acknowledged and appreciated JKNS' ongoing efforts in implementing awareness programmes about the disease. He also urged the public to seek prompt treatment and undergo check-ups at nearby clinics or hospitals, while commending JKNS for conducting mobile X-ray screenings and health examinations at event venues and in remote areas. 'This will also support efforts to achieve the target of eliminating TB by 2035, as set by the health authorities,' he said. Earlier, Vivian said JKNS has undertaken various efforts, not only focused on improving healthcare facilities, human resources, staff welfare, and patient treatment, but also on promoting a healthy lifestyle culture among the people of Sabah. 'This year's theme, 'Unite to End TB: Strengthen Commitment, Funding and Services', also highlights the strong commitment of the Madani Government and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) to eliminate TB as a public health burden,' she said. Vivian also said to overcome the stigma against leprosy patients and ensure fair and timely access to treatment, public education campaigns and community involvement are essential. 'This can be done through various advocacy efforts that are easy to understand, consistent, and inclusive, covering remote areas and endemic regions. 'In addition, psychosocial support and sharing success stories of recovered patients can help foster acceptance and reduce misconceptions about the disease,' she said. Her text speech was read by Ching.
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