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Menkes RI: Setiap 5 Menit, 2 Orang Meninggal Akibat TBC

The Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Menkes RI) Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed the surprising fact that every 5 minutes, 2 people in Indonesia die from tuberculosis (TB). 

"Every five minutes, two people die. We are talking at this event, those who have died from TB may have been more than 20," said Budi, as reported by the press release of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Thursday (12/06). 

To note, TB is an infectious disease that can be cured, but is still the leading cause of death in the country. Budi also emphasized the importance of early detection and complete treatment as the key to controlling the disease. 

"The problem is, it takes six months to complete (taking the medicine). You have to take it every day, there are a lot of pills, more than four. But it's better to be patient than not to get better," he said. 

Then Budi emphasized that there are 4 important steps that must be taken by the community to stop the spread of TB. Among others, finding patients, ensuring that they take their medicine immediately, completing treatment, and providing preventive therapy for close contacts. 

"Once TB is detected, given medicine, it stops spreading. The medicine is there, and when it's finished, they are cured. So that they can return as members of our society," explained Budi. 

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, the Head of the Development Control and Special Investigation Agency (Bappisus) Aries Marsudiyanto said the importance of the role of the community in preventing the spread of TB. 

For information, the government has a Free Health Check Program (CKG) that can be used to treat TB. Aries also invited the entire community to apply the Find Treat Until Cured (TOSS) principle, as well as to monitor and protect each other. 

"TOSS is our obligation. If there are children, wives, relatives, neighbors who have similar symptoms, report them immediately so that they can be treated until they are cured," he said. 

In addition, Aries also reminded the public not to fall for hoaxes related to vaccines or treatment from the government. According to him, fear and social stigma are often the main obstacles in handling TB, for example, many sufferers are reluctant to report because they are embarrassed. 

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Tag: Budi Gunadi Sadikin Menkes RI Tuberculosis