P. A. Chacko
Theme for 2024: “Yes! we can end TB”
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the culprit. It is a killer agent. It infects human beings by affecting lungs and can spread into the kidney, spine and brain.
It spreads through air when infected people cough, sneeze or drop saliva through talking.
TB bacteria multiply causing symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
In 2022, India had notified 24,22,121 TB cases, though India claims a reduction of 16% in TB incidence.
WHO’s Global TB report 2023 states that india accounts for 27 per cent of the total TB cases in the world.
WHO finds TB as ranking among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. It is said to be leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing HIV/AIDS.
Prevention:
Vaccination
Good ventilation
Wearing masks
Hygenic living
Diagnosis and treatment.
The Church has been doing praiseworthy service by establishing TB santoriums all over the world. Patients irrespective of caste and creed are admitted and treated. Christian religious congregations reach out in love and charity to help TB patients find the light of health.
“Yes! we can end TB”. Let this message of hope enable us to fight to prevent and eliminate the disease.
