Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) screened nearly 11,500 people for tuberculosis (TB) in 2018.
In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, observed on 24 March, the CDC's Medical Director says the organisation is continuing to work to educate the community about TB as part of ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease.
"The CDC is the region's first hospital dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases and in 2018 we screened nearly 11,500 patients for TB who were referred from HMC facilities, primary care centres, the Medical Commission, private hospitals, and Qatar Red Crescent health centers," said Medical Director of the CDC Dr Muna al-Maslamani.
In 2018 there were a total of 1271 admissions to the CDC's specialised TB wards — an increase of more than 70% from 2017.
Dr al-Maslamani said the increase in TB patients is a result of the country's growing population and greater awareness about the condition.
Tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing nearly 1.7mn deaths each year, mostly in developing countries.
The contagious infectious disease usually attacks the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spine.
A type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the disease.
In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day clinicians from the CDC held an awareness campaign on the Corniche on Friday, 22 March, providing members of the public with information about TB and conducting basic health checks.
This week awareness events were also held at Hamad General Hospital, the Communicable Disease Centre, Heart Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, the Women's Wellness and Research Centre, and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital.
