The world needs to change its approach to fighting tuberculosis, say researchers in a new paper published in The Lancet. We are going to see worse epidemics and more drug resistance unless there is less reliance on biomedical solutions and a greater emphasis on social action, they urge.
The world needs to change its approach to fighting tuberculosis, say researchers in a new paper published in The Lancet. We are going to see worse epidemics and more drug resistance unless there is less reliance on biomedical solutions and a greater emphasis on social action, they urge.
Also, drug-resistant strains are increasing. Estimates suggest over 480,000 people developed multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 2013.
The authors highlight that TB spread is also fueled by social conditions such as malnutrition, overcrowded housing, HIV,diabetes, smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
They say that in developing countries, the benefits of improved diagnostics and treatment are not enough to offset the susceptibility in groups at risk of the disease because of these social conditions.
Thus, the authors argue that future strategies need to combine the biomedical approach with social action, as Prof. Atun explains:
“A biosocial approach to stopping tuberculosis will not only reduce morbidity and mortality from disease but would also alleviate poverty and help sustainable development. It will meet present needs for the poor and provide them and subsequent generations with an opportunity for a better future.”
Fast facts about TB
- TB is curable and preventable
- It is caused by bacteria that spread through the air and infect the lungs
- About a third of people have latent TB; they are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease.