The Health Promotion Officer at the Regional Health Directorate in Bolgatanga, Francisca Adongo, is urging the public to avoid self-medication and seek early medical care when experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis (TB).
She explained that TB is a contagious bacterial infection caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine and brain. The disease spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes or talks, releasing infectious droplets that others can inhale.
Self-medication, she noted, refers to the practice of treating illnesses without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. This may involve the use of over-the-counter drugs, leftover prescriptions, herbal remedies or prescription medicines taken without medical approval.
According to her, common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks—sometimes with blood-stained sputum—chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite.
She emphasized that TB is both treatable and curable when patients adhere strictly to prescribed treatment.
“TB can be treated with a combination of antibiotics taken over at least six months. It is important to complete the full course to prevent drug resistance and relapse,” she said.
Standard treatment typically includes medications such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide.
Ms. Adongo further urged the public to prioritise early detection and treatment, as well as preventive measures, including vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), especially in children, ensuring proper ventilation in homes and using protective masks in high-risk environments.
She made these remarks on Tingmaalgo Sanga on Bolga FM on February 25, 2026.
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