More nurses needed in Harare

Tuberculosis treatment will be rolled out to patients with HIV in Zimbabwe's capital, but concerns are that there are not enough nurses to provide the service.

A refurbished clinic in the high-density suburb of Mabvuku in Harare City is receiving funding, drugs and a vehicle to treat TB from local and international organisations.

A total of 170 patients with TB and HIV/Aids will receive anti-retroviral drugs as soon as the clinic is refurbished.

The vehicle will provide a relief for people who used to walk to the centre, The Herald reported.

While commending the changes, TB programme manager for Harare City Dr Clemence Duri told reporters there was not enough staff.

Mabvuku township in Harare City was hardest hit for staff shortages, the doctor added.

Two years ago the World Health Organization launched an initiative to eradicate tuberculosis in the world.

Although there were most new cases in south-east Asia, there has been growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Improvements have been funded by Harare health department, the International Union and the European Union.