24th March is observed as “World T.B. Day”. The theme for year 2021 is “It’s Time to End T.B.”. While the world battles the deadly new coronavirus, TB still remains the world's deadliest infectious killer. As per best estimate, globally 10 million people developed TB out of which 27 % were from India.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has developed an ambitious National Strategic Plan 2017-25 for the elimination of TB. Various measures taken by the Government include free diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis cases, health education measures and active case findings. However, any government program cannot succeed without active participation from people.
At 104 Health helpline of Ziqitza Limited, we daily address many calls related to Tuberculosis and its symptoms.
Ziqitza says the following are major issues that create hurdles in Tuberculosis control in India
● Mode of transmission: TB is an infectious disease and mainly spreads by droplets when the patient with bacteria in sputum coughs, sneezes, talks and spits. Millions of Bacteria spread in the atmosphere during these activities. Lack of civic sense in the general population such as spitting anywhere and not covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing help the spread of TB. People living or working in small, ill-ventilated, overcrowded rooms further compound the problem.
● Socio-economic issues: TB is also a social disease and is described as a barometer of social welfare. Malnutrition is rampant thus lowering the body immunity to any infection including tuberculosis. Poverty is a major issue and many TB patients do not comply with treatment because of issues such as cost of treatment, cost of travel to health care institutions, loss of daily wages etc. Poverty, malnutrition, poor housing, poor quality of life, lack of awareness, lack of education, population explosion, early marriages, large families etc. are all interrelated social factors that make TB control difficult. TB started declining in the western world long before the advent of Anti-TB drugs. This has been attributed to improved quality of life.
● Adherence to the treatment: One of the major problems in TB treatment is that it is prolonged (at least for 6 months) and patients stop the treatment when they feel better or develop some side effects or due to some other social reasons. Not completing the treatment is dangerous because there is a strong chance of relapse of the disease and the TB germs become resistant to the medicines.
● Emergence of Drug-resistant TB germs: This is now a major problem in TB control. Drug resistant cases require a second line of drugs which are more costly and toxic, and treatment is prolonged beyond 6 months.
· Associated medical problems: Associated medical problems such as concurrent HIV infection, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, and smoking further weaken the immunity thus making control and cure difficult.
Dr Santosh Datar ,Medical Director at Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd suggests what all can be done by the general public and TB patients to help the Government in TB control.
● Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Some people cough less when they drink warm liquids.
● While at home, spend only a short time in rooms that other people use like the bathroom or kitchen. You do not need to wear a mask at home while around family members who have been living with you.
● Do not let visitors come to your house except for health care workers. Do not go to visit other people.
● Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is the best way to cure your TB. Your doctor and public health nurse will tell you about DOT. A health care worker will bring your TB medicine to you and will watch you take it. Be sure to tell your health care worker if you have any problems or questions about your TB medicine.
● Do not go to work, school, your place of worship, the library, or public places like the grocery store and post office.
● Do not use public transportation including buses, taxicabs, trains, and airplanes.
● You should go to all of your medical appointments. Your doctor will check you and make sure the TB medicine is working. If you miss an appointment, it may take longer to cure your TB.
● Your doctor or public health nurse will give you a special face mask and tell you when you can stop using your mask and return to normal activities.
● Adequate nutrition plays an important role in recovery as it boosts the immunity system which fights against the infection. A person suffering from TB should consume a well balanced and nutritious diet consisting of adequate carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals
Ziqitza Rajasthan also says tuberculosis is curable. Concerted efforts of all stakeholders such as the general public, TB patients and their family members, health professionals, health care institutions, government, lawmakers, media, and NGOs will help the Government of India to achieve its ambitious goal of TB eradication by 2025.
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