Sousa, Cajazeiras and 39 other municipalities participate in a meeting to discuss and align chronic diseases

The meeting was held this Wednesday (27), in the auditorium of the Paraíba School of Public Health (ESP-PB), in João Pessoa, as part of the March program – to raise awareness against tuberculosis

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as hepatitis, syphilis, HIV and HTLV, in addition to leprosy and tuberculosis, considered chronic (can last for life), were discussed during the annual meeting of the State Department of Health (SES) with the coordinators of Epidemiological Surveillance and Primary Health Care of the 41 priority municipalities for discussion and alignment on these diseases and supporters of the Regional Health Managements; Testing and Counseling Center/SAE and NGOs. The meeting was held this Wednesday (27), in the auditorium of the School of Public Health of Paraíba (ESP-PB), in João Pessoa, within the program for the month of March – from awareness against tuberculosis.

Representatives from SAE/CTA – Testing and Counseling Center and Specialized Assistance Service for HIV/AIDS and Non-Governmental Organizations – NGOs also participated.

According to the operational manager of Chronic Conditions and STIs at SES, Ivoneide Lucena, at this first meeting in 2024, the objective is to create an alignment to strengthen and enhance in 2024 in relation to tuberculosis and STIs. “As the event is in the month dedicated to tuberculosis, we highlight that, despite there being a cure and treatment being free, unfortunately, there are still many cases without treatment. And, when it comes to tuberculosis and HIV in the same person, it is a “marriage” that does not work and leads to death. What we want is for these professionals to return to their territories and build actions and strategies to strengthen this line of care,” she said.

The president of the Council of Municipal Health Departments of Paraíba (Cosems-PB), Soraya Galdino, congratulated SES for the initiative to address a much-needed topic. “In my municipality there is a patient with tuberculosis who finds it very difficult to undergo treatment. As he is homeless, he wanders around. We have already restarted the treatment three times. We will call on the Public Ministry, Social Action and Education because all management must be together in this fight. We need to improve a lot and we who make up the SUS are resilient and have the strength to do so,” she commented.

Art educator Beto Alves, from the NGO Cordel Vida, a Health partner in the work to prevent chronic diseases, explains that the Organization’s role is to facilitate access for SES professionals in the most vulnerable communities. With the aim of making this information reach you more quickly and easily, he even created a drag queen character called “Betty Biá”, who speaks to a specific LGBTQIAPN+ population (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex , Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, Pan/Poly, Non-binary and more).

“It is an extremely vulnerable population because the places they frequent – ​​cinemas, saunas, nightclubs – are very crowded, with a risk of virus circulation, where illnesses may be present. Therefore, we are always promoting activities with this public, warning them to take care of themselves and seek medical help if something happens”, he pointed out.

The 41 priority municipalities are Alhandra, Bayeux, Caaporã, Cabedelo, Conde, Cruz do Espirito Santo, Jacaraú, João Pessoa, Mamanguape, Mari, Pitimbu, Rio Tinto, Santa Rita, Sapé, Guarabira, Alagoa Grande, Areia, Boqueirão, Campina Grande , Esperança, Juazeirinho, Montadas, Cuité, Monteiro, Serra Branca, Patos, Conceição, Piancó, Catolé do Rocha, São Bento, Cajazeiras, Pombal, Sousa, Água Branca, Princesa Isabel, Caldas Brandão, Gurinhém, Ingá, Itabaiana, Juripiranga and Fire Stones

Tuberculosis – Infectious disease caused by Koch’s bacillus, easily transmitted, with the pulmonary form being the main responsible for maintaining the transmission chain. However, the extrapulmonary form occurs more frequently in people living with HIV, especially those with immunological compromise.

It is considered a public health problem in Brazil. In Paraíba, when evaluating the incidence curve, an increase in the registration of new cases can be seen, with 1,385 new registrations in 2022 and 1,531 new cases last year.

Currently, seven services perform culture for tuberculosis: LACEN-PB: Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderlei: Complexo Hospitalar Complexo Clementino Fraga: Policlínica Mandacaru; Reference Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy of Campina Grande and LACEN Sertão, in Patos.