Every year, the global community commemorates World Tuberculosis day on March 24 to create awareness about Tuberculosis, its consequences, and leverage efforts to end this epidemic. In 1882 March 24, Dr. Robert Koch declared that he discovered the bacterium that causes TV, this day was crucial as it opened a way for medical science to step towards exploring medications and the cure of this disease.
In a world plagued by corona terror, there are still some diseases and infections that have plagued the world for centuries. Tuberculosis is one of those diseases.
Tuberculosis has been present in human society since ancient times and is considered a disease and infection. Tuberculosis and rabies are the only diseases that have been present since ancient times.
Today, even at this height of medical science and treatment, one-third of the world's population is at risk of contracting tuberculosis. In developing countries, the risk rate is even higher at 90 percent.
The statistics of tuberculosis in Nepal are even more alarming. According to the National Tuberculosis Center, about 50 percent of the Nepali population is infected with tuberculosis. Every year, about 44,000 new TB patients are added to Nepal and about 5,000 to 7,000 Nepalis die of TB every year. The age group of TB patients is usually the productive age group i.e. 15 to 49 years.
There are dot service centers in all districts for the treatment of tuberculosis in Nepal. The Government of Nepal aims to bring the Gene Expert facility, which was only available in 45 districts by 2016, to all 75 districts by 2021. This technology is considered to be very reliable and quality for detecting tuberculosis.
Remember that more than 75 percent of the TB cases in Nepal are due to pulmonary tuberculosis and other glands, uterus, stomach, liver, kidneys, brain, and bone tuberculosis.
The government of Nepal provides free treatment for tuberculosis and plans to eradicate tuberculosis by 95 percent by 2035. There is a lack of public awareness against tuberculosis in the village and there is a problem of not coming for treatment. Today, the aim is to bring nationwide awareness and spread awareness against tuberculosis.
The theme of World TB Day 2021 - ‘The Clock is Ticking’ –conveys the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. This is especially critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, and to ensure equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Suyog Dhakal
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