Tuberculosis also known as TB is a common and deadly infectious disease caused by mycobacterium, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  TB most commonly attacks the lungs but can also affect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, bones, joints and even the skin. 

The risk of contracting TB increases with the frequency and duration of contact with people who have the disease.  Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that over one-third of the world’s population has been exposed to the TB bacterium, and new infections occur at a rate of one per second. 

Not everyone infected develops the full-blown disease; asymptomatic, latent TB infection is most common.  However, one in ten latent infections will progress to active TB disease, which, if left untreated, will kill, more than half of its victims.  The good news about TB is that it can be cured.  

The World TB Day is commemorated on the 24th of March every year throughout the world to increase awareness on the disease and encourage society to support TB patients to take their drugs as well as do away with the myth and stigma associated with TB.  In Ghana, the day was celebrated ahead of time in Wa because of Easter Monday. 

This year’s commemoration is themed “I am Stopping TB.”  This, points to the fact that the fight against TB is no longer the concerted effort of only the medical personnel, but the collective responsibility of everyone in society.  “I am stopping TB”, means that patients can stop TB by taking their anti- TB drugs as prescribed.  Health Workers can stop TB by providing prompt diagnosis and treatment.  Scientists can stop TB through the development of new diagnosis, drugs and vaccines. 

Communities can stop TB by sharing information to help prevent the disease and get treatment to those who need it.  And the family has a role to play be supporting patients to achieve cure.  This means everyone has a role to ensure that TB is stopped. 

TB poses a serious threat to society.  Socially, patients suffering from TB are being ostracized because of the stigma attached to the disease.  Economically, it drains the coffers of the individual and government.  Furthermore, lots of man-hours are lost due to patients seeking treatment.  Families also spend a lot of money in supporting patients financially. 

It is for this and many other reasons that everyone must join in he fight and pledge to stop TB.  An appeal goes to government to enact a Housing policy which will make it mandatory for house owners to construct houses with good ventilation as well as discourage overcrowding.  Another suggestion goes to road contractors to minimize dust during road construction to the barest minimum. 

People should learn to cover their mouths whenever they cough or sneeze.  Again people who cough for more than two weeks must be encouraged to seek early treatment especially when the treatment is free.

By: Archibald Adams.