Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs. It’s spread through the air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Surprisingly, about a quarter of the world’s population might be carrying the bacteria, though only a small fraction will develop the disease itself. This makes TB a silent threat; many infected individuals feel fine but can still pose a risk to others.
Despite being curable and preventable, TB remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases globally. In 2023, approximately 1.25 million people died from TB, including 161,000 who also had HIV (source: WHO). Recent estimates reveal that around 10.8 million people fell ill with TB that year. Alarmingly, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is an escalating public health crisis, affecting nearly 4 out of 10 people who need treatment. It is vital for those at risk—such as those with compromised immune systems or those living in close quarters with TB patients—to get tested and treated quickly.
Standard TB symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be mild and develop slowly, which means many people unknowingly spread the disease. TB can also affect other body parts like the kidneys and spine, not just the lungs.
TB is especially dangerous for people living with HIV. They are 16 times more likely to develop TB than those without HIV. Each illness strengthens the other, which creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. Recent data suggests that only 56% of TB patients living with HIV are receiving necessary antiretroviral treatment, indicating a pressing need for enhanced collaborative efforts in healthcare.
Preventing TB involves several simple steps. Anyone showing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Testing for TB is critical for those in high-risk categories, and if preventive treatment is recommended, it should be completed in full. Those with TB must practice good hygiene by covering their mouths when they cough and avoiding close contact with others.
Diagnosing TB usually involves rapid molecular tests, which help detect the disease accurately and quickly. For those with drug-resistant TB, the diagnostic process can be more complicated and costly. Treatment requires a long course of antibiotics, usually lasting from 4 to 6 months, and it’s crucial to stick to the full regimen to avoid the development of drug resistance.
This year, there was a notable shift in how multidrug-resistant TB is treated. The WHO has introduced a shorter treatment regimen, which has shown promise in easing the burden on healthcare systems. This new approach potentially saves money and resources while improving patient outcomes.
Historically, TB has affected society in waves, sometimes overshadowed by other illnesses. However, it remains a pressing issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which account for the vast majority of cases. Recent statistics reveal that the highest concentrations of new cases are in the WHO South-East Asia Region, followed by Africa and the Western Pacific.
Funding for TB prevention and treatment is urgently needed, with an estimated US$22 billion required annually to reach global health targets by 2027. Interestingly, while domestic funding remains the primary source for combating TB, support from international donors is essential, especially given the recent trends of decreasing domestic resources in key countries like India and Brazil. This trend threatens to reverse hard-fought gains against TB.
The WHO continues to lead efforts in tackling TB, involving numerous stakeholders in a coordinated response to the epidemic. Their approach emphasizes research, strategy development, and enhancing treatment access globally. This ongoing challenge requires collective action, not just from governments but from communities and individuals as well. Together, we can reduce the burden of TB and work towards a healthier future for everyone.
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