POVERTY CONTRIBUTES TO SPREAD OF DISEASE IN EAST M`SIA SABAH

SANDAKAN (Malaysia), Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Poverty has been identified as
among the factors which contributed to the spread of diseases in Sabah,
particularly malaria and tuberculosis, Deputy Health Minister Dr Abdul Latiff
Ahmad said.

He said the lifestyle and eating practice among those categorised as
poor
had exposed them to the disease.

"For instance, infectious diseases can spread through the water used by
villagers who have no access to clean water supply," he told reporters after
opening the Sandakan Nursing College complex here, representing the health
minister.

Dr Abdul Latiff said the spread of malaria and tuberculosis were closely
inter-related to poverty because those in the category normally did not give
attention to their eating practice and lifestyle.

Earlier in his speeech Dr Abdul Latiff due to high incidence of infectious
diseases in the state, the ministry had no option but to keep on increasing the
number of health facilities and health officers.

The state currently has 186 health and rural clinics, which he said, were
not enough to cater to the needs of the people.

-- BERNAMA