World Tuberculosis Day (TB) marked to create awareness

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is commemorated annually on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of tuberculosis (TB) and urge acceleration of efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

TB is caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

People become infected with TB when they breathe in these bacteria. Because of this, TB usually infects the lungs, but it can also spread from the lungs and infect other organs, like the kidneys, spine, and brain.

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TB of the lungs is known as pulmonary TB, and TB outside the lungs is known as extra-pulmonary or disseminated TB.Q.

This year’s theme was ‘Yes! You and I Can End TB’ in line with the global community.

Despite significant progress over the last decades, TB continues to be the top infectious killer worldwide, claiming over 1. 5 million per year, as stated by the SA National Aids Council (SANAC).

Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) poses a major health threat and could put at risk gains made in efforts to end TB.

According to SANAC, every year, more than 56 000 people die from TB, an airborne preventable and curable disease.

The organisation said despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains the leading cause of death in South Africa, especially among people living with HIV (53%).

On March 23 the Department of Health held a symposium on new technological developments in the management and treatment of TB patients in SA.

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The symposium also tackled the evolution of tuberculosis treatment and its impact on the country`s response to the epidemic, and the emergence of Bedaquiline resistance and mitigation factors.

According to the department, South Africa is among the leading countries worldwide which introduced innovative interventions in response to the burden of this “killer disease”, and this has had a significant impact on the global policy on TB.

TB and smoking

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting TB as it damages the structure and function of the airway as well as reduces the immunological response to infection.

Smokers have twice the risk of TB compared to non-smokers.

It is recommended that people diagnosed with the disease follow the recommended course of treatment and complete it to prevent drug resistance.

SANAC states that based on research, up to 20 per cent of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden may be attributed to tobacco smoking.

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About 55% of people with TB are co-infected with HIV.

The prevalence of tobacco smoking among people living with HIV is estimated at 50%.

TB control requires a comprehensive smoking cessation programme targeting people with TB and communities at large.

Help prevent the spreading of TB:

• Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;

• Always wash your hands with soap and water to minimise infection;

• Infection prevention and control measures: wear your mask, open windows and ensure adequate ventilation;

• Ask your healthcare worker about TB Preventive Therapy if you were in contact with someone who has pulmonary TB or if you are living with HIV to prevent getting sick with TB;

• Seek treatment as soon as you test positive;

• Get screened, get tested (getting tested for TB is quick, easy and free);

• Go to your nearest clinic and get tested for TB;

• High-risk groups should get tested for TB, even if they show no symptoms – this includes people living with HIV.

If you have a fever, are losing weight, have drenching sweats at night, or have been coughing for more than two weeks, get tested for TB as soon as possible.

Being on treatment also helps to prevent TB from spreading to people you live or work with.