Saturday, April 20, 2024
The COVID 19 serves as a reminder that health threats are still persistent which can affect millions of us globally. We have to stand united to protect our next generation to fight against TB infection.
About one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with TB. Only a small population of those infected with TB become sick with TB. The real truth about TB is that the bacteria is in a dormant or latent stage in your body before it causes the symptoms. This knowledge and awareness should be spread among the general public to know the importance of the immune system which can help prevent them from causing TB infection. TB is a leading infectious cause of death in the world killing 1.4 million each year.
The theme of World TB Day
World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually to raise public awareness about this devastating health condition. Tuberculosis treatment is long-term and needs religious efforts on part of the patient to get completely termed as “cured.” On World TB Day, WHO is calling for action on several fronts to ensure commitments are made to end TB. The theme for World TB Day 2021 is “The Clock Is Ticking” which conveys the message that the world is running out of time to act on a commitment to end TB.
Dr. Teresa Kasaeva, Director, WHO Global TB Programme, says, “We are running out of time to fulfill global commitments to end TB. even as we battle up the COVID19, we must not ease out the fight against TB but redouble our efforts to save more lives and end more suffering. We need political will and accountability, financial resources, engagement from all sectors, and community ownership. We need this now- The clock is ticking!!”
The Global threat: The incidence of Drug-Resistant TB
TB is a global disease found in every country around the world. It is a leading cause of infection and death worldwide. Last year, 10 million people fell ill from TB and 1.4 million died. TB is an airborne disease that can spread by air droplets through coughing and sneezing. Among the most vulnerable are children, women, and men who have weakened immune systems. This makes that disease is becoming deadly and difficult to treat. Let’s not forget the drug-resistant TB cases which have been rising over the last 2 years where the patients do not respond to the conventional line of treatment for TB.
Know more about TB: Facts about TB
TB is a leading infection and one of the world's infectious diseases. TB is a bacterial infection that is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (M.Tb). The most common site of this TB infection is the lung but it can be found in other parts of the body. When the person coughs and sneezes, they suffer from “active -TB '' and can transmit the infection from one person to the other. However, many people are infected in an inactive form which is known as “Latent TB.” In this case, it is important to note that the body’s immune system plays a very important role in fighting against TB and protecting the other organs and systems of the body. TB therapy and treatment lasts for six months or longer than two months. About 6 in 10 cases of Multidrug-Resistant around the world go untreatedTB Prevention: “Prevention is better than cure”
Wash your hands and sanitize them with alcohol rub after sneezing, coughing, or holding your hands near or close to your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze Do not attend school or work if you have respiratory affections which means you are in “ActiveTB” mode Avoid close contact with others when having respiratory affections. Ventilate your room accordingly and allow fresh air to enter through your window Take care of immune system by taking vitamins supplements regularly TB vaccine: BCG vaccine: This vaccine is often given to babies and children in countries where TB is common to provide them a protective shield against TB infection.
