Tuberculosis Remains the World’s Deadliest Infectious Disease: WHO
By EoK Editorial:
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the leading infectious disease killer worldwide, with 1.25 million deaths recorded in 2023, according to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a significant public health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya.
The Silent Threat of TB
WHO estimates that a quarter of the global population is infected with TB bacteria, but most people do not develop the active disease. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that mainly affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits.
Common symptoms include:
🟠 Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
🟠 Fever and night sweats
🟠 Unexplained weight loss
🟠 Fatigue and chest pain
If left untreated, TB can be fatal. However, early diagnosis and consistent treatment with antibiotics can cure the disease and prevent its spread.
Progress and Challenges in the Fight Against TB
Since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives through improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention programs. However, WHO warns that more needs to be done to achieve the global goal of ending TB by 2030.
In Kenya, TB remains a major public health concern, with thousands of new infections reported annually. The disease is particularly severe among immunocompromised individuals, such as HIV/AIDS patients, and in overcrowded, poor living conditions where access to healthcare is limited.
Challenges in combating TB include:
🔴 Late diagnosis due to lack of awareness
🔴 Limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas
🔴 Rising cases of drug-resistant TB, making treatment more complex and expensive
🔴 Stigma and misinformation, preventing people from seeking medical help
What Can Be Done?
To reduce TB infections and fatalities, WHO recommends:
✅ Increased public awareness on TB symptoms and prevention
✅ Early detection through screening and testing
✅ Access to free or affordable treatment for all patients
✅ Government commitment to strengthen healthcare systems and TB control programs
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Health experts urge Kenyans to seek medical attention immediately if they experience persistent cough, fever, or weight loss, especially after coming into contact with a TB patient. Early treatment not only saves lives but also helps curb the spread of the disease.
For more information on TB prevention and treatment, watch WHO’s Science in 5 video here: https://bit.ly/4hDXESj
-------
🚨 NOTICE!!
Dear readers, Edit One Kenya (EoK) is a Kenyan-based Digital Media Communications and Business entity undergoing development. We aim to build a Media and Business Complex, which, in addition to providing global coverage, news, opinions, and commentary, will also create massive employment opportunities for young people and provide a platform to nurture young talents in media.
We are seeking funds to develop our official website with all the necessary features to start us off. We request your support to realize this dream.
BANK ACCOUNT NAME: EDIT ONE KENYA
1. Co-Operative Bank
Account No: 01192644327000
Swift Code: KCOOKENA
2. National Bank of Kenya
Account No: 01520256175000
Swift Code: NBKEKENXXXX
M-PESA MONEY TRANSFER:
1. Paybill No: 4103959
Account: EoK
2. Paybill No: 400200
Account: 19614
PayPal Account: asavasebastian@gmail.com
------
Write to us: editonekenya@gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment
Editing to the best version!