World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2022 | MediGence

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2022 | MediGence

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs and can be lethal. Coughs and sneezes discharge microscopic droplets into the air, allowing tuberculosis bacteria to transmit from person to person. Tuberculosis is the world’s 13th largest cause of death and the second leading infectious killer (after HIV/AIDS), according to a WHO report published in 2020. By 2020, an estimated ten million people would have contracted tuberculosis (TB). In the United States, there are 5.6 million men, 3.3 million women, and 1.1 million children. Tuberculosis affects people of all ages and in all countries.

World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24th to promote public awareness about tuberculosis, which continues to be an epidemic in much of the world, killing around 1.5 million people each year, primarily in developing countries. The day is followed by a specific issue or theme each year, and the theme for this year (2022) is ‘Invest to End TB. Save Lives.’

History of World TB Day

On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB). At the time, tuberculosis killed one out of every seven people in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step toward the control and eradication of this fatal disease. A century later, March 24 was declared as World Tuberculosis Day, a day dedicated to raising public awareness of tuberculosis’ global effects.

Johann Schonlein coined the term “tuberculosis” in 1834, despite the fact that Mycobacterium tuberculosis may have existed for up to 3 million years. Robert further said that World Tuberculosis Day would not be celebrated until tuberculosis has been eradicated. It is, however, a crucial opportunity to educate the public about the devastating effects of tuberculosis and how it can be avoided.

World TB Day Virtual Press Conference 2022 | WHO

Symptoms & Causes of Tuberculosis

Patients with an active Tuberculosis will have the following signs and symptoms:

  • Coughing for at least three weeks or more
  • Blood or mucous coughing is quite a common symptom
  • Chest pain, especially during breathing or coughing
  • The weight reduction that occurs unintentionally
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Sweating at night
  • Chills
  • Appetite loss
  • Tuberculosis can affect the kidneys, spine, and brain, among other organs. TB in organs other than the lungs has different indications and symptoms. Back pain can be caused by tuberculosis of the spine, but blood in the urine can be caused by TB of the kidneys.

Causes: Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread through the air in a form of tiny droplets from one person to the next. This can happen when someone with untreated active tuberculosis coughs, talks, sneezes, spits, laughs, or sings. Tuberculosis is significantly more likely to spread among your friends or coworkers than it is among strangers. Most tuberculosis patients are no longer contagious after receiving appropriate treatment for at least two weeks. HIV/tuberculosis (HIV/TB) and drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) are the two most common causes. Tuberculosis can affect anyone, but some variables, such as a compromised immune system, traveling or residing in particular places, IV medications or excessive alcohol use, smoking, working in healthcare, and living with someone infected with TB, might raise your risk.

Impact of TB in The World

A quarter of the world’s population has tuberculosis infection, which implies they’ve been infected but aren’t sick yet and can’t spread the disease. Tuberculosis is a 5–10% lifetime risk for people who have been infected with TB germs. People with impaired immunity, such as those with HIV, malnutrition, diabetes, or smokers, are more prone to get sick.

The WHO published a report on the global burden of tuberculosis (TB), which affects people in every country. It is estimated that in 2020, the largest number of people were infected with TB. To mention a few, 43% of new cases were found in the Southeast Asian region, 25% in the African region, and 18% in the Western-Pacific region. When a tuberculosis patient’s doctor notifies them that they have been diagnosed with the disease, they no longer need to be scared or panicked (TB). Tuberculosis is now treatable and thus curable, thanks to the recent medical advances.

Why Do We Commemorate World TB Day?

Every year on March 24, we observe World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness of the devastating health, social, and economic effects of tuberculosis (TB) and to increase efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date commemorates the announcement by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882 that he had discovered the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, paving the path for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Antimicrobial resistance is intensified by tuberculosis, which is the primary cause of death among HIV-positive patients. World TB Day is an effort to focus on the people who are affected by the disease and advocate for prompt action to end TB suffering and deaths, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

This year, we are focusing on a new theme with the same motive to end TB- ‘Invest to End TB. It emphasizes the essential need to increase resources in the battle against tuberculosis and meet world leaders’ commitments to eradicate the disease. Millions of lives will be saved with an increase in investment, accelerating the end of the TB epidemic.

Preventive Measures:

If you have latent tuberculosis, your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent you from developing active tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (TB) is only contagious when it is active.

Preventive Measures of TB

Early Detection– Getting a right diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis as soon as possible is the most effective technique for preventing it. It is found that after two weeks of treatment, the majority of patients are no longer infectious.

Keep your family and friends safe– It normally takes a few weeks of TB medication before you are no longer contagious if you have active tuberculosis. To keep your friends and family away from getting sick, follow these steps:
Stay at home- Avoid going to work or school during the first several weeks of therapy, as well as sleeping in a shared room.

Ascertain that the space is well ventilated– Tuberculosis germs are more easily transferred in tiny, enclosed settings where air does not flow. Open the windows and use a fan to blow the inside air outside if it’s not too cold outside.

Must cover your mouth– Cover your mouth with a tissue when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. Place the soiled tissue in a bag, seal it, and discard it.

Put on a face mask– During the first three weeks of treatment, wearing a face mask when you’re around other people may help reduce the chance of transmission.

Keep Your Environment Clean– Since tuberculosis is an airborne disease, it is vital to keep our surroundings clean. The transmission of TB bacteria can be minimized by keeping proper ventilation, natural sources of light (UV light kills TB germs), and good hygiene (covering mouth while coughing and sneezing).

Complete your medication– This is the most critical step you can take to prevent tuberculosis in yourself and others. If you stop the treatment early or skip doses, TB germs have an opportunity to evolve alterations that allow them to withstand the most potent TB treatments. Therefore, drug-resistant strains are deadlier and more difficult to cure.

The BCG Vaccination– Since 1921, the BCG vaccination (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) has been the only life-saving and licensed tuberculosis vaccine available. This vaccine is made from a strain of Mycobacterium Bovis, a weakened bovine tuberculosis bacillus. The vaccine is 80% efficient in preventing tuberculosis and is significantly more successful in children with a complex form of the disease. Before beginning any medicine, you must consult with your doctor.

Getting back to the importance of the WORLD TB DAY, once again…
It is an approach to collect political and societal commitments in order to achieve long-term success in the fight to eradicate tuberculosis as a public health problem. Each year, about nine million people are diagnosed with tuberculosis, and around three million of them do not receive the treatment they need owing to a lack of healthcare access or misdiagnosis. It is past time for us to confront this terrifying situation and seek medical counsel in order to ensure quick diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in our communities.

Some of the best Hospitals for TB Treatment in India

Jaypee Hospital

Noida,India

  • ISO 9001
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
  • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

Shri Jai Prakash Gaur, the Founder Chairman was the one to conceptualize the model and see the final establishment of the Jaypee Hospital with the idea to promote world class healthcare which can be accessed by the masses at an affordable price with no compromise on quality. It is the flagship hospital of the Jaypee group. It is a tertiary care multi specialty hospital which has been commissioned partly in the first phase. Located at a well connected place in Noida and yet very aesthetically... Read More

119

PROCEDURES

25

DOCTORS in 14 Specialties

20+

Facilities & Amenities

Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre calls itself the temple for a cure for being an efficient multi-specialty and quaternary care hospital.  In the year 1985, the medical center was founded with the intention of being the premises for practical knowledge based learning for Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute. They started with the intention to translate the experience and expertise of imparting medical education in such a way so that it becomes affordable and tangible in t... Read More

94

PROCEDURES

35

DOCTORS in 10 Specialties

4+

Facilities & Amenities

1+

Reviews

The multi super speciality Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi offers specializations within their existing departments, thus reaching the zenith of quality and dedicated services. It started its operations in 2010 and happens to be the largest hospital operating under the chain of Fortis group. Located in the heart of North Delhi, Fortis Shalimar Bagh is visited by locals and also people from neighbouring states. The hospital can be accessed via Rohtak road and Karnal road by those ent... Read More

156

PROCEDURES

26

DOCTORS in 14 Specialties

20+

Facilities & Amenities

1+

Reviews

Founded in the year 2014 New age Wockhardt Hospital, started its journey to touch the lives of thousands and millions of lives and bring about a healthy difference.  Constructed in the heart of the business district of Central Mumbai, Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai is a 21 storeyed facility built to be a Multispecialty tertiary care hospital. In its facility it includes a premier Heart Care Institute and Critical Care unit. In order to handle critical emergencies and mishaps of strokes, they... Read More

102

PROCEDURES

8

DOCTORS in 12 Specialties

6+

Facilities & Amenities

  • Joint Commission International, or JCI
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
  • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

As a leading healthcare service provider in India Sevenhills hospital is aiming at providing total holistic care starting from diagnostics to treatments, daycare specialty services, and other related facilities. It has more than 3 decades of valuable experience in healthcare service and has defined healthcare service as a noble profession where each and every individual get equal rights to quality health treatments. For 50 million Indians this has been a household name in a very l... Read More

88

PROCEDURES

17

DOCTORS in 11 Specialties

6+

Facilities & Amenities

  • ISO 9001
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

There is no dearth of good hospitals in Mumbai, but when it comes to handling a wealth of knowledge with expertise Fortis Hiranandani hospital comes to mind in no time. Just established in the year 2007, they have acquired commendable reputation all over the city of Mumbai and over the country for the choice of technology they have used. A renowned team of Para -medical professionals oversee the operation of their Neuro Sciences department. In the medical fraternity their pathology lab has e... Read More

131

PROCEDURES

21

DOCTORS in 13 Specialties

6+

Facilities & Amenities

One of the leading hospitals in South Delhi, Akash Hospital is one of the best and modern multispecialty hospital in the city. They offer varied specialities in Medical, Surgical, Orthopedic, Gynecology, Cardiac and other advanced procedures. An ISO 9001:2000 certified organization; Akash Hospital is registered with Directorate of Health Services, Government of India. The hospital attempts to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions to people from all walks of life.

Akash has also ... Read More

120

PROCEDURES

32

DOCTORS in 13 Specialties

20+

Facilities & Amenities

Aster Medcity

Kochi,India

  • Joint Commission International, or JCI
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Aster Medcity, India is committed to providing the best treatment with its world-class and an outstanding team of healthcare professionals and a comprehensive and advanced range of diagnostic and therapeutic technology.

Spread across a sprawling 40-acre area, Aster Medcity is located in God’s own country, Kerala. This multispecialty hospital has eight separate Centres of Excellence in Oncology, Neurosciences, Cardiac Science, Nephrology & Urology, Orthopaedics & Rheumat... Read More

140

PROCEDURES

39

DOCTORS in 13 Specialties

6+

Facilities & Amenities

Pushpavati Singhania Hospital, also known as Pushpavati Singhania Research Institute, is one of the most prestigious hospitals in India. It is situated in New Delhi, in the pleasant surroundings of Sheikh Sarai. It caters to a large number of patients and specializes in surgical as well as medical gastrointestinal treatment.

Founded in 1996 and promoted by the JK Group, this hospital is a well-known name in the field of gastrointestinal treatment and patients are treated for the dise... Read More

108

PROCEDURES

28

DOCTORS in 12 Specialties

6+

Facilities & Amenities

  • Joint Commission International, or JCI

Situated in Saras Bagh, Apollo Spectra is the best multi-specialty hospital for minimally invasive techniques in Pune. This state-of-the-art speciality hospital is committed to bring together the world-class medical services and world’s best healthcare management practices. The hospital is the recognized centre of excellence in General and Laparoscopic surgery, Orthopedic and Spine, Bariatric surgery, varicose veins. Other specialities include ENT, Gastroenterology, General M... Read More

19

PROCEDURES

7

DOCTORS in 7 Specialties

3+

Facilities & Amenities

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Last modified on at Jun 18, 2022

Reviewed By :- Megha Saxena

Guneet Bhatia

Guneet Bhatia is an avid reader, healthcare writer, and is currently Director of Patient Care Department, MediGence. She has also been featured on many prominent Healthcare portals such as IBTimes, HCIT Expert, Clinician Today.

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