DAR ES SALAAM -- At least 456 people, including 128 children, have died of tuberculosis (TB) in the Tanzanian economic capital of Dar es Salaam in 2000-2001, health authorities said on Friday. Dar es Salaam regional medical officer Deo Mtasiwa said: "the trend is really serious and efforts must be made to reverse it."

He said during 2000-2001, a total of 5,602 TB cases were reported in Dar es Salaam region.

A total of 1,942 people contracted TB in 2000, out of whom 220 died. Last year, TB cases went up sharply, infecting 3,304 people, 236 of whom died.

Mtasiwa attributed the trend to the impact of HIV/AIDS, increased congestion, poor nutrition among many residents and other harsh economic conditions.

He said to check the spread of TB, increased public education on the symptoms of TB, the importance of regular medial check ups and adherence to medical instructions was necessary.