World Tuberculosis Day is a solemn reminder that despite the progress made in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), there is still a long way to go.

The disease remains a significant public health threat, particularly in areas where vulnerable populations lack access to appropriate healthcare. The consequences of such inadequacies were starkly revealed in a recent report commissioned by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

Healthcare System and Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease primarily affects the lungs, but it can also occur in the kidneys, spine, and brain, among other organs.

TB spreads from person to person through the air, mainly when an individual with the disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. Despite the availability of medications, TB continues to cause millions of deaths worldwide, making it one of the top 10 causes of death across continents.

The EIA report revealed that cuts to healthcare funding could increase rates of TB.

In many countries, governments have slashed health budgets since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving healthcare systems ill-equipped to handle other infectious diseases. Inadequate investment in TB management could result in the emergence of drug-resistant forms of the disease, making treatment more complex and expensive.

Impact of Healthcare Cuts on TB Patients

One of the key impacts of healthcare cuts on TB patients is disrupted access to medication. TB treatment requires patients to take a combination of up to four different medications every day for six months or more.

Even a slight gap in taking these medications can reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of drug-resistant TB. The EIA report stated that “alongside interrupted TB services, [healthcare cuts] increase the risk of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of drug-resistant TB in countries that have weak TB programs.”.

Another effect of healthcare cuts is that healthcare facilities may be forced to reduce their services, leading to fewer people being tested and diagnosed with TB.

This can delay the initiation of treatment and increase the risk of the disease spreading to others. When TB is not detected and treated early, patients are more likely to suffer long-term lung damage and other complications, leading to higher mortality rates.

Role of International Community in Fighting TB

Global cooperation is crucial in the fight against TB. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a roadmap to end TB by 2035.

Achieving this goal will require continued investment in research, diagnosis, and treatment of TB, as well as increased political commitment to advocating for TB awareness and control.

The EIA report called on international donors, governments, and the private sector to maintain their funding for TB program implementation and research.

It also urged countries to invest in social safety nets that protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of healthcare cuts.

Conclusion

World Tuberculosis Day serves as a clear reminder that the fight against TB is far from over. While it is possible to prevent, detect, and treat TB, the disease cannot be controlled by any single country or stakeholder.

It requires a concerted effort from the global community to ensure universal access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to continue investing in research and treatment. Without international cooperation, the consequences of healthcare cuts on TB and other infectious diseases will be severe and long-lasting.