World Tuberculosis Day: Early Detection and Treatment Crucial to Saving Lives
Every year, on March 24, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed to raise public awareness of the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Today the battle to eradicate tuberculosis continues as governments, organizations mobilize to curb the disease.
According to the WHO’s 2024 global TB report, 10.8 million individuals globally contracted the disease in 2023, with 1.6 million fatalities and 12% of the global burden falling on the most vulnerable which are children and young adolescents.
TB continues to be a major cause of death. While there has been progress in the fight against tuberculosis, the global burden of the disease is still alarming, especially in developing countries. This disease continues to be a global threat because of its serious health, social, and economic repercussions.
The Significance of World Tuberculosis Day
Despite its prevention and treatment, tuberculosis is still one of the most deadly infectious diseases. In 2023, about 1.25 million people died as a result of TB globally, surpassing the mortality rate of other diseases. Therefore, World TB Day serves as a platform to spread awareness about the impacts, modes of transmission, and ways to prevent it.
With the theme “Yes! We can end TB: Commit, invest, and deliver,” this day, governments and decision-makers are encouraged to make TB eradication a top priority to reduce infant mortality among children and the world at large. Topics like diagnoses, treatments, and vaccines are discussed to effectively eradicate the disease as well as the stigma and discrimination related to the illness.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can sometimes spread to other organs such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Tuberculosis spreads in the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that is usually mistaken for other illnesses. Here are some symptoms parents should look out for in their children for early detection and treatment.
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Coughing blood
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats that disrupt sleep
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
Governments and the UN’s Efforts to Eradicate Tuberculosis
Different countries’ leadership and the United Nations have made several efforts towards eliminating this disease. They include the following:
- The government has launched campaigns to sensitize the masses about tuberculosis.
- They have made the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine accessible to the people through hospitals and health centers.
- World organizations have funded research for vaccines and drugs.
- Heads of various countries have adopted a declaration called ‘United to End Tuberculosis’ by 2030.
How Parents Can Protect Their Children
Parents can protect their children from tuberculosis in many ways. They include:
1. Parents should endeavor that their children are vaccinated
Vaccination is a major protection for your children so ensure they are vaccinated. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, helps protect children from TB.
2. Make sure your environment is clean
Your home should be well-ventilated, regularly cleaned, and disinfected. Also, ensure good hygiene among their children so they cover their mouths while coughing.
3. Boost your child’s immunity
Parents should feed their children nutritious food like vegetables and fruits to boost their immune system against diseases and they should get enough sleep.
4. Make check up a routine
Early detection is key in treating illnesses. Parents should not overlook health issues like cough rather they should always take their children for check-ups as doctors can easily detect the early stages of the disease.
5. Limit Exposure to Infected Individuals
When a family member is infected with tuberculosis, parents should make sure their children follow strict infection control measures and avoid contact with the infected person until they recover.
Conclusion
World Tuberculosis Day is a call to action. It is a reminder of the ongoing battle against tuberculosis which has affected millions of people globally especially children. Although there have been significant efforts towards the eradication of the menace, more needs to be done. We all should join hands to eradicate this disease to build a world where children can thrive.
