March 25: Tuberculosis remains a major public problem in Nepal and the burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB poses a health threat, according to a report published by the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day on Sunday (March 24).

 

However, the burden of MDR TB in Nepal is not as high as that in the South-east Asian region or across the globe, reads a statement issued by the World Health Organisation.

 

The report states that more than 32,000 cases were notified and registered at NTP in 2017/18, and some 6,000 annual deaths were caused by TB. According to this data, an estimated 87 people fall ill due to TB, and some 16 die from the disease, every day in Nepal.

 

Tuberculosis, a contagious airborne disease and one of the world’s deadliest infectious killer, spreads via inhaling respiratory droplets that contain TB bacteria from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

 

Despite TB being a preventable and curable disease, TB remains world’s top infectious killer affecting most economically productive age group which impacts the economy of the country, WHO said.

 

“TB not only makes people sick, but the cost of TB treatment plunges TB affected families in vicious cycle of sickness and poverty.  It is known that every USD 1 (Rs 109) invested to end TB returns USD 43 (Rs 4,690) plus the multiple benefits of a healthy functioning society. Hence, investment in TB is not just combating TB but makes economic sense,” the statement added.

 

According to WHO, the World TB Day is commemorated each year on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The theme of this year’s World TB Day – ‘It’s time’ – highlights, the drive to end TB which has reached a critical phase, both regionally and globally.

 

The member states of South East Asia Region issued call for action in March 2017, highlighting the political, technical and strategic interventions needed to route this disease. In March 2018, in the Delhi End TB Summit, member states unanimously adopted a statement of action pledging to intensify efforts towards ending TB by or before 2030.