Tuberculosis in Benguela

Some 3145 cases of tuberculosis were registered in Angola's central Benguela Province from January to September 2002 by local health authorities. An officer with local Hospital, Manuel Jacob, told Angop that the infected people, most of them from low income families, are under control of tuberculosis combat programme. He said that the situation is "worrying", adding that tuberculosis hits people aged between 15 and 45 years old who are unaware of the danger of the disease. Manuel Jacob stated that to prevent future cases the local health authorities are carrying out sensitization programmes.

Meanwhile, it was told that the Angolan government plans to reinsert more than 300.000 war displaceds and demobilized this year into poverty fight activities. This announced in southern Huila Province Social Welfare Minister, João Baptista Kussumua on September 17.

Addressing a ceremony for celebration of the 80th anniversary of Angola's fist President, Agostinho Neto, the Minister added that in this operation the government will count on the support of social partners, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, churches and associations. He stated that the displaceds and demobilizeds will be reintegrated in agricultural activities to combat poverty. "Provision of assistance to the needy people is government's top priority to follow Agostinho Neto's doctrine that the most important is to solve peoples' problems", he said. (ANGOLA PRESS AGENCY)