The Director of the Tuberculosis Unit in TRAC-PLUS, Dr. Michel Gasana, revealed yesterday, that the Global Fund has earmarked $45m (Rwf 24bn) for the fight against tuberculosis in Rwanda.

The money, will fund the three-year anti-TB strategic plan that includes a countrywide campaign to create awareness of the dangers posed by the disease.

"There is a lot to do in these three years, including both the technical part of examining, treating and equipping personnel involved in the TB fight,” Dr. Gasana said.
He went on to assure the public that, unlike recent reports that TB is on the rise in schools, the current situation is not alarming.

Dr Gasana said that with only 8,000 cases registered in the whole country annually, there is no need for tension. 
"This figure is relatively not alarming, but we don’t have to sit back because it is easy to be contaminated,” Gasana said.

"Among the 8000 registered cases, 30% were in Kigali City, alone which is more reason not to sit back. The recent study carried out in schools was just an assessment to have a clear picture on the TB status,” he added.

In a recent survey carried out between October 2009 and May 2010, 118 students from secondary schools and universities in the city were found to be infected with the disease.

The survey indicated that at least one student is infected with TB at any secondary school or university, and among the 118 infected, 62 have lung TB, which is transmitted through breathing.

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