Moffat Mungazi
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
EVERY year on March 24, the world observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to raise awareness about this deadly, yet preventable and curable disease.
This date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of TB.
Despite significant medical advancements, tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, affecting millions of people globally.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys.
It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
TB can either be latent, meaning it remains inactive without symptoms, or active, which is contagious and requires immediate medical attention.
People suffering from active tuberculosis often experience a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks, sometimes accompanied by blood or mucus.
They may suffer from unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, and a loss of appetite.
These symptoms can be debilitating, and if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Seeking medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The good news is that TB is treatable and curable.
The standard treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken for six months or longer.
The most commonly used medications include isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
However, for multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), stronger and longer treatment regimens are required.
Completing the full course of medication is essential to prevent relapse and the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
There are many misconceptions surrounding tuberculosis.
One common myth is that TB only affects poor and underprivileged people.
In reality, TB can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
However, those with weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV/AIDS, malnourished individuals, and smokers, are at a higher risk. Another misconception is that TB is hereditary.
This is false, as TB is not inherited but rather an infectious disease spread through airborne droplets from an infected person.
Some believe that if someone has TB, they must be isolated for life.
While active TB patients may require temporary isolation, treatment quickly makes them non-contagious, and most can return to normal life within a few weeks of proper medication.
There is also a mistaken belief that TB is a disease of the past, but despite being preventable and curable, it remains a major global health threat.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), millions of new cases are reported annually.
Prevention plays a key role in eradicating TB. Early detection and treatment are critical in stopping its spread. Vaccination, particularly the BCG vaccine, offers protection, especially in children.
Maintaining good hygiene and ensuring well-ventilated living spaces can reduce TB transmission.
Additionally, a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and a strong immune system lowers the risk of developing active TB.
The theme for World TB Day 2025, “Yes! We Can End TB,” highlights the global commitment to ending tuberculosis through innovation, funding, and collaborative healthcare efforts.
Governments, health organisations, and individuals must work together to eliminate this preventable disease.
Tuberculosis continues to be a major health challenge, but with increased awareness, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment, we can defeat it.
This World TB Day, let’s commit to spreading accurate information, supporting those affected, and pushing for global efforts to eliminate TB once and for all.
Together, we can make TB a disease of the past.
For more information on tuberculosis, contact [email protected].
Online Reporter