Leading the fight to end TB in the world
RANKING ninth globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading infectious killer caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily affects the lungs, with over 95% of cases and deaths occurring in developing countries.
It is a littleknown fact that about onequarter of the world’s population is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. Fortunately, a large majority of them have latent infection, which means they are not yet ill and cannot transmit the disease.
Nonetheless, the global scenario is alarming; in 2016, 10.4 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.7 million died from the disease (World Health Organisation, 2018). This is complicated by the emergence of multidrugresistant TB bacteria (MDRTB) and extensively drugresistant TB (XDRTB) which require more costly and longerduration treatment.
The signs and symptoms of active pulmonary (existing in the lungs) TB may include: cough lasting for two weeks or more; bloodstained sputum (mixture of saliva and mucus); fever often with sweating, usually in the evening/night; loss of weight or appetite; chest pain especially on coughing or deep breathing; and fatigue and feeling weak.
In Malaysia, it is commendable that the Government attempted to stem the spread of TB by implementing the National Tuberculosis Control Programme under the Health Ministry. Despite this, TB still remains a serious problem with a steady incline for the number of cases and deaths over the last 10 years. The World Health Organisation (WHO) TB country profile estimated a total of 29,000 cases in 2016, an increase from 24,220 cases in 2015.
What caused the increase in TB cases in Malaysia? Among the possible causes are influx of foreign workers from countries with high TB rates, challenges in screening and infection control, and a substantial population of vulnerable persons, including the HIVpositive.
It is apt the theme for this year’s World TB Day, which is observed on March 24, is “Wanted: Leaders for a TBfree World”. It focuses on eliminating TB through concerted efforts by all quarters – not just the legislators and government agencies, but also those who are infected by TB. Although government policies and political agendas are beyond our control, we as ordinary citizens can do our part by adopt ing certain measures to curb the spread of TB in our community. Despite the stigma associated with TB, it is a preventable and curable disease.
The following are some steps which we can take to prevent tuberculosis:
Vaccinate our children with the BCG vaccine – it is advisable to give newborns the BCG vaccine to provide protection against TB. In recent years, antivaccine advocacy groups have influenced scores of parents to disallow their children from being vaccinated with even the most essential childhood vaccines.
They should be made aware that in the case of TB vaccination, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Early screening is vital – if you have any of the signs/symptoms, seek doctors’ advice as soon as possible.
Rule out transmission from infected persons – if a close family member or someone you are in close contact with has been infected with TB, it is best to have an examination to check if you have been infected.
Clean and wellventilated living environment – ensure your dwelling is clean, airy and has plenty of sun light. This will prevent the TB bacteria from spreading.
Healthy lifestyle and balanced diet – this will boost the immune system and ward off infections.
Avoid spreading germs – wear face masks when sick. Sneeze or cough using tissue covering your nose and mouth and dispose of the tissue properly.
Practise caution when visiting hospitals – wear masks, avoid touching your face and eyes and sanitise your hands before leaving hospitals and clinics.