This is especially important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put “End TB” progress at risk and ensures equal access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. More investment will save more lives, accelerating the end of the TB epidemic.
How to Observe?
Get tested ย Disease prevention always starts with you. Testing for tuberculosis is simple and sometimes required for travel or job applications. It is always good to have on your medical records and not in your lungs.
Spread awareness ย Many people with TB don’t even know they have it. Tuberculosis can lie dormant for years without a single symptom. Therefore, it is important to spread awareness about getting tested and treated. For any disease, prevention is better than cure.
Volunteer or donate ย Events are held to spread awareness and raise funds all around the world. If you can’t find one, organize one yourself. There are many organizations dedicated to eradicating TB that are always looking for volunteers and donations.
Things to Know About Tuberculosis
-
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that kills 1.5 million people every year. -
TB is the 13th leading cause of death after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS). -
TB is present in all countries and age groups. -
Cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss are the symptoms of TB. -
About one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with TB bacteria but is not (yet) ill with the disease and cannot transmit it. -
Nearly 66 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2020. -
People infected with TB bacteria have a 5% to 10% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB. -
Alcohol use and smoking increase the risk of TB by a factor of 3.3 and 1.6, respectively. -
People who are infected with HIV are 18 times more likely to develop active TB. -
In 2020, there were 1.9 million new TB cases that were attributable to under nutrition. -
Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
References:
- World TB Day
– (https://stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/) - Tuberculosis (TB)
– (https://www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday/default.htm) - World Tuberculosis Day 2022
– (https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/world-tuberculosis-day-2022)
Source: Medindia
