TB still kills and sickens a huge population in the country

New Delhi: TB still kills and sickens a huge population in the country and therefore is a critical need to eradicate it. TB is major global health challenge causing severe health, social and economic impacts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.25 million people died from tuberculosis (TB) in 2023, including 161,000 with HIV. TB has likely returned as the world’s leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19. In 2023, around 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, affecting men, women, and children across all countries and age groups. TB is curable and preventable, yet drug-resistant TB remains a serious global health threat, with only 40 percent of affected patients receiving treatment. Since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives, but $22 billion per year is needed to meet TB prevention and treatment goals by 2027. Ending TB by 2030 is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While effective treatments for TB exist, the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses significant challenges. These strains don’t respond to standard medications, making infections harder to treat and control.

TB is often viewed as  a purely physical ailment, but its psychological toll can be devastating. Recent research studies in the country estimate that between 40% and 70% of TB patients experience clinical anxiety or depression during treatment; many patients lose their jobs, struggle to support their families, and withdraw from their communities out of fear of rejection.
The lack of psychological support in TB care often leads to poor treatment adherence, worsening health outcomes.
Studies also reveal that 60% of patients do not reveal their diagnosis to friends and neighbours. Also, stigma is more common among middle class and female patients. This feeling of discrimination hampers personal, sexual, social and professional aspects of a patient’s life.

Key Symptoms of Active TB:

A cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
Chest pain                                                                                                                                                         Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm)
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chills
Fever
Night sweats

TB Prevention and Control Measures:

For Inactive TB:  Treat inactive TB to prevent it from becoming active.
High-risk individuals (weakened immune systems) must get treatment.

For Active TB (Lungs/Throat):  Take all medicines exactly as prescribed.
Keep all clinic appointments for monitoring.
Do not stop treatment early or miss doses.
Inform your healthcare provider about any issues with medication.

If Hospitalised: Stay in a special room with controlled airflow.
Healthcare workers will wear protective masks.
Follow hospital instructions to prevent the spreading of germs. If Recovering at Home take medications as directed.
Cover your mouth when coughing/laughing; dispose of tissues properly.
Avoid work, school, and close contact until cleared by a doctor.
Sleep separately and ventilate the room well.
Use a fan to direct air outside and reduce germ spread.
Follow all healthcare provider instructions before resuming normal activities.

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*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an eminent Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care. He’s chief Investigaor to Hospitals Management Association of India.