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Tuberculosis and relevance of World TB Day

Time to end the epidemic

An epidemic is defined as a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. By this definition, Tuberculosis (TB) is and has been an epidemic of mammoth proportions. In fact it is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, affecting millions of people every year.

The unfortunate truth is that despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a major threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eliminate TB and improve healthcare systems to combat its spread.

Understanding Tuberculosis

So what is this dread disease? TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, brain and spine.

This disease is extremely contagious as it spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. However, it is significant that not everyone infected with the TB bacteria develops the active disease.

In fact, there are two forms of TB which are as follows:

• Latent TB Infection (LTBI) – In this type, the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. It causes no symptoms and is not contagious. However, LTBI can progress to active TB if the immune system weakens.
• Active TB Disease – In this type of TB, the bacteria multiply, causing symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue. Without treatment, active TB can be fatal.

TB – a global affliction

TB is a disease that is of concern around the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. The disease is not uniformly spread out, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems, malnourished individuals and people living in overcrowded conditions.

To add to the challenges in combating this disease is the phenomenon called drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) occurs when the bacteria become resistant to first-line antibiotics. This makes treatment more complex and expensive.

World TB Day: History and Significance

World TB Day is observed every year on March 24. The Day is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. This breakthrough paved the way for diagnosing and treating TB.

The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the disease, advocate for stronger healthcare policies and encourage global efforts to eradicate TB. Each year, the WHO announces a theme for World TB Day to highlight critical issues related to TB prevention and control.

The fight against TB

A constant war is being waged to combat this disease effectively, spearheaded by the WHO. The WHO’s End TB Strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 90% and new cases by 80% by 2030. For this the following have to be ensured:

• Early diagnosis and treatment to prevent transmission.
• Improved healthcare infrastructure in high-burden countries.
• Increased funding for TB research and vaccine development.
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage testing.

Let’s unite for a TB-free world

World TB Day is not just another day. It is a crucial reminder that TB remains a global health crisis. With coordinated international efforts, scientific advancements and community engagement, the goal of a TB-free world is within reach. It is crucial that governments, healthcare professionals and individuals unite and work together to ensure early detection, effective treatment and prevention measures to eliminate TB once and for all.