Almost 200 residents of Vitebsk underwent preventive examination during the anti-tuberculosis month

March 25, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Almost 200 residents of Vitebsk took advantage of the opportunity to undergo preventive examination during the anti-tuberculosis month "For a Healthy Lifestyle!", which is concluding in the Vitebsk region. Pavel Greidel, head of the organizational and methodological office of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary, informed a BELTA correspondent about such preliminary data. The event was initiated by the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary in conjunction with the regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society and is timed to coincide with World Tuberculosis Day, celebrated on March 24. This year, the traditional event was held in an expanded format. Throughout March, the regional dispensary held weekly open days, during which everyone could undergo a free examination and receive consultations from specialists on all issues of tuberculosis prevention and treatment, as well as other socially significant diseases. In addition, specialists from the phthisiatric service delivered lectures to work collectives and organizations, and round tables were organized on tuberculosis prevention issues. On March 24, for the first time, a mobile digital X-ray fluorographic unit "Pulmoexpress" operated on the central square of the regional center. The initiative of Vitebsk phthisiatricians was supported by almost 100 Vitebsk residents who underwent examination right in the city center. In addition, volunteers from the regional Red Cross organization distributed informational materials and leaflets. In the evening, the musical "Moulin Rouge" was screened at the Cinema House. Preliminary results of the event can be considered successful, noted Pavel Greidel. The epidemiological situation regarding tuberculosis in the region remains stable with a tendency towards improvement. The incidence rate in 2008 decreased by 6% compared to 2007 and amounted to 42.1 cases per 100,000 population. At the same time, over the past 3 years, mortality from tuberculosis has decreased by 36%. Last year, 81.5% of the entire population of the region over 18 years of age underwent preventive examinations, and in rural areas, the phthisiatric service has been conducting examinations using a continuous method for the third consecutive year. In 2009, it is planned to cover at least 95% of rural residents of the region with preventive examinations. -0-