In 2023, Sabah had the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases at 5,814, followed by Selangor with 5,631 cases and Sarawak with 3,177 cases, according to information presented in the Senate on Monday (March 18). Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that out of the total 26,781 cases, 84.7 per cent were among citizens and 15.3 per cent among non-citizens.
To improve detection in remote areas, especially those with limited access to health facilities, the Health Ministry is in the process of acquiring an Ultra Portable X-ray machine. This technology will aid in screening and identifying TB cases in harder-to-reach regions.
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Lukanisman highlighted the ministry’s efforts since 2014 to enhance diagnostics for latent TB infection (LTBI) and drug-resistant TB. By deploying 62 units of rapid molecular tests nationwide, the aim is to quickly identify cases of TB and drug-resistant strains for prompt treatment.
During a question and answer session, Senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran inquired about the breakdown of TB cases by state, age, and citizenship, as well as data on drug-resistant TB over the past decade and strategies to address this concern.
Providing further insight, Lukanisman shared that the ministry has implemented various measures to control the spread of TB. This includes conducting screenings, tests, and case confirmations for individuals showing TB symptoms such as prolonged fever, weight loss, night sweats, and coughing up blood at healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, contact screening is done for individuals in close proximity to TB patients, as well as high-risk groups like HIV patients, those on dialysis, diabetic patients, the elderly, smokers, and inmates in prison facilities. These initiatives are aimed at early detection and prevention of TB transmission.
