Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th October 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Parts of London have higher TB rates than Iraq
skin test
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a particular risk to prisoners, homeless people and those with substance abuse issues.

New report urges the Mayor of London to take action
 
Parts of London have significantly higher TB rates than countries in the developing world, according to a new report by the London Assembly Health Committee.

Released this week, the report shows there were more than 2,500 new TB cases in the capital last year. This accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all cases in England.

Some boroughs have TB rates as high as 113 in every 100,000 people, which is far higher than countries  including Algeria, Rwanda, Iraq and Guatemala.

The report found that TB services are not equally accessible to all Londoners. For example, vaccination of newborn babies is not available in all boroughs, despite being recommended practice.

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a particular risk to prisoners, homeless people and those with substance abuse issues.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, is being urged to lead the way in driving better measures of prevention and treatment in the capital. Recommendations include taking steps to educate the public more widely about this disease.

A recent survey commissioned by the London Assembly found that one in five Londoners did not know the symptoms of TB when given a list. The findings also confirm that the disease continues to be heavily stigmatised.

The report also calls for health services to standardise the control and management of TB across London. NHS London was urged to set out plans for ensuring BCG coverage across the city's boroughs by 2017.

Committee chair Onkar Sahota said: "The Mayor needs to take more responsibility for TB control in London. He is uniquely placed to drive forward measures for TB prevention, as well as better access to treatment.

"If we don't get a grip on London's TB situation now, the harder and more expensive it will be to tackle in the years to come. With pressures on health budgets, we can't afford to take our eye off the ball."

For the full report, see: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/FINAL_TacklingTBinLondon_0.pdf

Image (c) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL)

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.