Many years ago, a former colleague had a persistent cough.

He previously saw general practitioners but was given only cough medicine and other medications. He also might have doctor-hopped.

He did not know it was tuberculosis (TB) until I saw him spitting out blood and urged him to go to a Sata CommHealth clinic.

To successfully control TB, robust public education and awareness of the disease's symptoms, without stigmatising the condition, is of paramount importance.

TB checks must be made convenient for the masses.

If everyone is aware and alert to TB symptoms, without fearing stigmatisation, it will be easier to control the disease.

Kang Choon Tian