Rabi Island figths against TB

[Stacey King]

Fiji Time Online Luke Rawalai Wednesday, April 10, 2013

THE Rabi Island Council is working with the Health Ministry to stop the spread of tuberculosis on the island.

Council chairman Bauro Vanualailai said they were working closely with health centre workers to address the issue with the villagers.

Mr Vanualailai said the disease may be prevalent with the Banaban people because of their culture.

"We are a communal and fun-loving people and our culture encourages families coming together a lot," he said.

"The fact that we live our lives in a communal way may make the people vulnerable to the illness and even compound the problem.

"There are factors arising out of our lifestyle that trigger the TB among our people.

"We are identifying these factors and making people aware with the assistance of health officials."

Mr Vanualailai said the TB lab facilities set up by the government recently at the health centre had been helpful.

"We are encouraging the people to make use of the facilities and go there for screening.

"People are being made aware of the importance of such screening.

"There are some who tend to take things lightly but the effort to stamp out TB among our people is a community one that we at the council office are committed to."