GLOBAL TB TRENDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – HEALTH)

Context: The new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that India, Indonesia, and the Philippines recently made substantial contributions to reducing tuberculosis (TB) case notifications in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights of Report

• In 2022, TB retained its status as the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, following COVID-19.
• TB caused nearly twice as many deaths as HIV/AIDS, making it the primary cause of death among individuals with HIV.
• According to the Report, The number of tuberculosis cases in 2022 surged to its highest level since the 1990s, surpassing pre-COVID levels by 16%. It stood at 7.1 million, marking a 28% increase from 2020 and 16% from 2021.

Tuberculosis(TB)

• TB is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria. 
• It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
• Tuberculosis is preventable and curable.
• Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Steps taken to fight TB

• World: WHO initiative “Find. Treat. All. EndTB”.
• India: National TB Elimination Programme, National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025), The Nikshay Ecosystem and Nikshay Poshan Yojana, TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.