Guelph charity unveils tuberculosis detection program in Africa
GUELPH – Bracelet of Hope, a Guelph-based charity, has unveiled a plan to address tuberculosis (TB) in the mountains of Lesotho, which has the second highest incidence of TB in the world.
Thousands of families and children continue to suffer from this serious and often deadly disease.
Although relatively rare in Canada, tuberculosis often affects people in locations where overcrowding, poor housing and malnutrition are more frequent.
TB is curable, but early detection is key to preventing long term disabilities or even mortality. The small mountainous country of Lesotho surrounded by South Africa suffers from the second highest incidence of TB in the world with an estimated prevalence of 724 cases per 100,000.
Working with its Swiss partner SolidarMed, and building on its existing program of three mobile health units, Bracelet of Hope is raising funds for a X-ray van.
This will facilitate rapid diagnosis of TB in the lungs, allowing for infected patients to immediately begin a drug regime for the cure.
A mobile unit is critical given the inaccessible terrain of Lesotho.
“We are excited to begin this chapter as a one-year trial,” stated Bracelet of Hope board chair Tracy Curtis.
“Canadians may not know that this is a country that is rugged and cold, they even get snow in some areas. People don’t have access to medical facilities when living in the hills and mountains.”
The vehicle used for the mobile X-ray is currently being furnished for use with an expected launch in May. It is expected to cost about $23,000 to operate in its first year, including staffing, providing local employment in addition to saving lives.
“We are so happy to be addressing this critical need, and we received a $5,000 boost this past week from a Rotary member when we presented the project to the Guelph Rotary,” stated Dr. Anne-Marie Zadjlik, founder of Bracelet of hope.
Bracelet of Hope serves Lesotho by providing foster homes for orphans and other vulnerable children and funding healthcare services and early medical detection.
To donate or for more information visit braceletofhope.ca.
