"We are conducting health screening, including TB screening, IVA test, and general health checks," he informed while reviewing an "Active Case Finding Tuberculosis" activity at Class IIA Women's Prison in Tangerang on Wednesday.
According to Harbuwono, the health screening is an effort to provide uniform health services and identify TB cases in at-risk groups, including those in correctional institutions.
"As per reports, around 80 percent of inmates consume TB prevention drugs," he said.
Banten province and Tangerang city have been included in the best TB coverage areas, based on provincial identification.
"We hope the program implemented in Tangerang can be replicated in other areas for an optimal TB identification process," he added.
Meanwhile, Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin informed that his administration is continuing to intensify TB detection programs as part of efforts to end TB spread in the region.
For example, the Kader Asmara TBC and Ransel TBC programs have been implemented to widen the scope of independent screenings. Attention is also being paid to the need for clean sanitation and good nutrition.
"We continue to provide the best treatment for TB patients in Tangerang city," he assured.
Meanwhile, head of the Tangerang City Health Service, Dini Anggraeni, informed that 280 inmates participated in the screening on Wednesday.
The Tangerang city government will continue to maximize the "Active Case Finding" activity until next year, besides implementing the Ransel TBC program in schools.
Ransel TB is a thematic program for controlling TB in schools, which focuses on TB education and screening.
The city government will also conduct screenings twice a week using mobile X-rays and molecular rapid tests to corroborate the screening results from Ransel TBC.
To reduce TB prevalence, the government will provide full treatment for any positive cases.
"We also need cross-sectors collaboration such as the environment, socioeconomics, and community involvement in reducing TB rates," she added.
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Translator: Achmad Irfan, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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