269 cases of tuberculosis have been reported by the Ministry of Health last year.
This has been revealed in the 2013 National TB program surveillance report.
National TB Control Officer Dr Sakiusa Mainawalala said the increase in reported cases is based on the increase in the awareness program among communities and also the screening done of high risk groups.
He said most young people are infected by tuberculosis according to the 2013 report and this is a worrying trend for the Health Ministry.
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According to the National TB program surveillance report children aged 14 years and below represent 10% of all the new TB cases in 2013.
Also, in the report the majority of new cases were registered in the Central division with 58 percent due to its high population.
The report also highlights that males between 15 and 65 years old represent 57% of the new cases with an approximate ratio of 3:2 compared to female.
This the report states is because males are involved more in social behavior and practices such as excessive drinking of kava or alcohol, smoking and poor diet compared to females.
Public Health Officer Shakti Goundar revealed the report during the National TB program Dissemination session held on Friday.
TB is an infectious disease caused by a form of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB can only be caught directly from someone with TB in the lungs.
Also it can be spread if there is overcrowding, poor ventilation and poor diet.
The National TB Program is funded by the Global Fund.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua
