Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly attacks the respiratory system of an individual, yet can also affect other systems, including the central nervous system, bones, and kidneys. TB is an airborne disease that can be transferred from one individual to another through coughing and sneezing by a TB sufferer.
India has the highest burden of tuberculosis cases in the world, with an estimated 2.6 million new cases each year. It causes an individual to suffer from ill health and brings about huge socio-economic repercussions. Most TB patients in rural areas are stigmatized and suffer from job loss and financial consequences, which makes recovery even more difficult.
Why Awareness about Tuberculosis is Essential in India?
- Early diagnosis can save lives: Another reason which causes the death due to TB is delayed diagnosis. Many patients are ignorant about a continuous cough and slight fever, mistaking it for some seasonal illness. Awareness should be created regarding the symptoms ranging from cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats for timely diagnosis, prompting a visit for medical consultation and starting timely treatment.
- Ending the Social Stigma: Social discrimination surrounds TB patients as a result of false information. Some believe that it is inherited or a curse which impedes any individual from taking medical care. Awareness through the best chest medicine hospital in Delhi, will help in dispelling myths, promote open conversation, and let TB patients rely on people for the help that they need.
- Ensuring that Treatment is Completed. : Incomplete treatment is among the leading causes regarding the treatment of TB in India. Most patients suspend drugs once they start feeling better, and that has caused drug-resistant TB. Campaigns in the community should emphasize the complete course of medication under Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) to prevent relapse and resistance.
- Government Initiatives and Free Treatment Access.: The government has extended many initiatives under which free diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional support are offered to TB patients, such as the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Most unprivileged people, especially those living in remote villages, are not aware of these grants. Awareness of these schemes will ensure the population reaches more timely and affordable care.
Ways to Promote TB Awareness in India
- Digital Media: Social media platforms, websites, and online campaigns can be one of the best ways to disseminate tuberculosis related information to a growing audience.
- Community Health Programs: Awareness camps, programs in schools, and workshops in the community can be organized to educate people, especially in rural areas.
- Celebrities and Influencers: Public endorsement by influential personalities could go a long way in removing stigma attached to TB and encourage the masses to seek medical help.
- NGOs and Healthcare Workers Involvement: Grassroots organizations and frontline health workers are important to reach the marginalized communities to create proper awareness and treatment.
Tuberculosis is a preventable disease and can be treated, but still, thousands of people in India die because of this disease due to ignorance, stigma, and lack of proper awareness. Thus, propagating awareness of symptoms, prevention, and treatment is a big step toward tuberculosis eradication. Every individual, be it a student, professional, or homemaker, should contribute to creating awareness. Combining all efforts can bring India a step closer to being a TB-free nation, thereby saving future generations from this deadly disease. To gather more information about the importance of tuberculosis awareness, book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, today.
