4 lakh deaths annually make Tuberculosis India’s enemy number 1

India retains the dubious distinction of being the TB capital of the world since 2008.

Dr Aung is an Otago microbiology graduate who was born in Myanmar, where about 26,000 people die from tuberculosis (TB) each year, contributing to the global picture of 1.7 million deaths worldwide annually.

A group of community health specialists have however seen the opportunity provided by the universal access and preference for mobile phones and related messaging technology to reduce the burden of TB in the country.

The key to effectively tackling TB is for quick diagnosis as this helps to stop it from spreading to others. Many countries are now making greater efforts to combat TB.

“I’m stepping forward for a TB-free world”, Mr. Tedros said, “please join me”. Do not come in contact with TB patients.

Continuous coughing for two or more weeks, blood in saliva & cough, sudden weight loss, lack of appetite, night sweats, fever, chills, and fatigue.

The most recent data on infection rates show parts of London still have higher rates of TB than some developing countries, such as Iraq, Libya and even Yemen.

Significant progress has been made in the field of TB in terms of its treatment and diagnosis. The disease, however, is far from being eradicated and in 2016 it killed 1.7 million people around the world. These are people who are infected by the bacteria but aren’t sick. Still, people believe that TB belongs to poor people but it is only a lungs’ disease or it is incurable. The main focus this year is on building commitment to end TB.

Beyond drug-resistance, what are the prospects for TB treatment in general? Few doctors receive specialised training in working with adolescents, especially in the low and middle income countries where tuberculosis is still common. “Patient-centered policies have been developed and implemented, including direct cash transfers and nutritional support for persons suffering TB and plans have been developed to engage civil society organisations”, she said. There has however been a decline in TB cases from 2005 following a decline in cases of individuals co-infected with TB and HIV cases that began in 2004.

However, a new trial, SMaRT Kids is in advance stages of planning and would aim to investigate the treatment of children with drug-resistant TB. Someone with active TB disease may spread the disease to other people. Instead, they should establish a new era, one marked by community-based care, informed by evidence and human rights-based approaches.

Dr Wong reminded the public that the treatment of TB involves a prescription of multiple medicines which lasts for at least six months, and TB patients should stringently take the medication on time to minimise the emergence of drug-resistant TB.

Treatment should be started at the earliest, he said while adding that facilities are in place at government hospitals for the treatment of TB.