Tuberculosis - Still a Global Issue
- Anika Shetty
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Despite being one of the oldest diseases, Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health issue today. This infectious disease occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the lungs or other parts of the body. TB can be treated and prevented. But every year, millions of people around the world develop TB, especially in low and middle-income countries with minimal access to medical care.
TB transmission occurs through the air when people with active TB do one or more of these: cough, sneeze, talk, spit. Small droplets, containing TB bacteria, are spread into the air and can be inhaled by people in close distance to the person with TB. Common signs and symptoms of TB are cough for more than 3 weeks, chest pain, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. If left untreated, TB can cause serious lung damage and can also spread throughout the body, including the brain, spine, kidneys, and bones.
A lack of funding and resources for tuberculosis prevention and control continues to be one of many reasons tuberculosis (TB) is still a global problem. This encourages overcrowded living conditions, poor nutrition, and limited access to appropriate medical care. This leads to delays in getting early diagnosis and treatment, which has made it easier for the disease to infect entire communities. Moreover, patients with weaker immune systems, such as those with HIV, AIDS, are at a much higher risk of developing active TB.
In addition to being a very serious global health issue, drug resistant TB is another major challenge. Drug resistant TB can occur when TB bacteria develop resistance to the antibiotics typically used to treat TB. Therefore, it is much more difficult and expensive to treat. In addition, some patients will need stronger drugs, which can result in multiple serious side effects as well as lower rates of treatment success.
Even with the various challenges TB poses, there is still hope. Most forms of TB can be cured by completing a full course of prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, vaccines against TB, such as the BCG vaccine, can help protect children from the most serious forms of TB. Public health interventions such as early identification of TB, improvement of living conditions, providing of education, and ensuring reliable access to medications will play a significant role in reducing the transmission of TB.
In conclusion, TB remains a global health problem due to the impact of poverty, healthcare limitance, and resistance to medications. However, global dedication has led to increased funding, TB treatments, and effective prevention programs, millions of lives could be saved through effective control of TB in the years ahead.
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