WHO Urges Enhanced Actions to Eradicate TB in South-East Asia
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New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday urged nations in the Southeast Asia Region to capitalize on the momentum generated to eliminate tuberculosis (TB).
Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, emphasized the importance of accelerating multi-sectoral initiatives to reach every individual affected and at risk. The renewed focus must also tackle the socio-economic determinants and implications of the disease.
"A primary healthcare-based strategy that addresses TB determinants such as undernutrition, incorporates new technologies including advancements in Artificial Intelligence, and centers communities and affected populations in all initiatives, should be pivotal in our revitalized strategy," Wazed stated.
As per the latest Global TB Report 2024 from WHO, over 5 million individuals contracted TB in Southeast Asia, representing 45 percent of the global TB burden and over half of the TB fatalities worldwide in 2023.
Nonetheless, the estimated TB-related deaths decreased to 583,000 in 2023, down from a peak of 763,000 in 2021. Only 22 percent of individuals with TB were overlooked by the program in 2023—a reduction from 44 percent in 2020.
Moreover, the report indicated that over 3.8 million individuals began TB treatment in the Region in 2023—the highest number recorded.
However, coverage remained inadequate, with merely 9 percent of individuals living with HIV and less than a quarter of household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients receiving preventive therapy, as stated by the WHO report, highlighting a significant funding gap of nearly Rs 200 crore annually.
While Wazed acknowledged the strides made by countries in the Region against TB, she pointed out the substantial disease burden, its devastating socio-economic effects, and the severe resource shortage necessitate expedited and urgent measures.
"There is a necessity for multisectoral, multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination to pool resources to eradicate TB, ensuring no one is left behind. Reaching the unreached, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized, is crucial in our battle against TB," the Regional Director emphasized.
"It is time to accelerate the momentum established collectively by the Member countries of the Region in the fight against TB," Wazed concluded.
