Ministry denies rumours of TB spreading amongst students

Education Ministry denied rumours that tuberculosis (TB) is spreading amongst school students in Maldives.

In a press release, the ministry said on Monday regarding media reports claiming students and teachers of Center for Higher Education (CHSE) were being mass tested for tuberculosis after a grade 12 student tested positive for the disease, that Health Protection Agency (HPA) routinely screens students for TB under their Tuberculosis Elimination Program.

They said TB is a disease that is still found in Maldives, even if it is on rare circumstances. The highly contagious disease is found in people of all ages, including students as well. Education ministry said on the occasion that a case appears among school students, they follow the protocol set by HPA.

"The news published by some media stating that TB is spreading in Maldivian schools in connection with this screening program is untrue," the statement said.

"... I assure everyone that the safety and security of students will always be the ministry's top priority," he said.

The Ministry has urged students and parents not to spread untrue information in a manner that creates fear amongst the public.

Cases of TB are reported in Maldives, even if rarely. The government aims to eliminate the disease from Maldives by 2025.