Angola: Rich mining areas lead tuberculosis rates
Luanda — Angola's diamond producing eastern provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul lead the tuberculosis growth rate.
The fact was disclosed Monday by the doctor responsible for treatment and eradication of tuberculosis in the mining areas, Guilhermina Nascimento.
Speaking to Angop, on the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of ministers of Health and Responsible for HIV/AIDS of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the physician, who would not release the numbers of the cases, mentioned the provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul as the areas of greatest concern.
She said that this happens due to the fact that the mines based in the referred areas are uncovered and exposed to dust, which impairs workers' lungs and leaves them sensitive to contamination of tuberculosis.
Angola has about 13,000 mining workers.
allAfrica.com
