Zimbabweans Urged to Seek Early TB TreatmentMUTARE — The Zimbabwe Network of People Living Positively with HIV and AIDS ( ZNPP+ ) says people showing tuberculosis symptoms should get tested early to avoid any form of drug resistance. The ZNPP+ Manicaland coordinator Moses Chananuka says early treatment prevents the rapid spread of the virus to others, adding those who normally spread the disease would have reached a stage of T.B drug resistance. Chananuka said some TB patients were walking long distances to get medication while others were faced with challenges of paying for expensive X-ray tests before getting treatment. He noted that early treatment has many advantages for the sick and the community. He said people with persistent coughs, who sweat at night, are losing too much weight without explanations or feel hot most of the time should go for TB tests, especially when they live with TB patients. Chananuka said the shortage of TB medication at clinics and hospitals is a major cause for concern, adding the disease is sadly still being stigmatized by many in the country. Enock Musademba, ZNPP+ Manicaland provincial chairperson, said persistent droughts have worsened the situation for many, especially in rural communities where nutritional issues remain a problem. Meanwhile, the Sakubva Technology Centre, situated at the Sakubva Library, the hub of internet service in the suburb, has been closed for months now owing to non-payment of internet and WiFi subscriptions. The centre had been the sole service internet provider for scholars in the area. It was opened last year by Old Mutual amid much pomp and fanfare. Eric Mandofa, the city council’s chief librarian who oversees the Technology centre, said they are still waiting to hear from Old Mutual, adding the insurance giant had promised to take care of all costs to ensure the smooth-running of the centre. Studio 7 could not get a comment from Mr. Jonas Mushosho, the CEO of Old Mutual or his spokesman on the sudden turn of events on the Technology Centre in Mutare.