March 24th is World Tuberculosis Day. Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by a bacteria that usually attacks the lungs, but can affect any part of the body—like the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone that becomes infected with TB gets sick, but without treatment, TB can be fatal. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or even sings.

The goal of World Tuberculosis Day is to raise awareness of and increase investment in resources to end TB globally.

1. TB Affects Everyone

Tuberculosis is present in all age groups and in all countries. While preventable and curable, many fall ill and die due to lack of access to proper care.

2. TB is A Leading Threat 

Globally, tuberculosis is the second leading infectious killer, after COVID-19. In 2020, 1.5 million people died of TB.

3. Certain Countries Have a Higher Burden 

Most of the new cases and deaths come from 30 countries identified as “high burden” for tuberculosis by Word Health Organization. The list includes countries where CMMB works: Peru, Kenya, and Zambia.

4. Children Are Vulnerable

Tuberculosis is often difficult to diagnose in children, and as a result, is often overlooked. In 2020, 1.1 million children contracted TB around the world.

5. Some People Are More at Risk

Tuberculosis is the leading killer of people with HIV. This is especially concerning for places like Zambia and Kenya, with a high burden of TB and HIV.

6. TB is Becoming More Dangerous

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing concern and a serious health threat. Peru is on the list of countries with a high burden of MDR-TB.

7. Haiti Has the Highest TB Prevalence in the Americas

Haiti has the highest TB prevalence in the Americas with 254 cases per 100,000 persons and an incidence rate of 206 cases per 100,000 persons per year. 

8. Peru Has the Second Highest in the Americas

Peru has the second-highest incidence of TB in the Americas, with more than 40% of the multidrug-resistant TB of the Americas (but only 3% of the population). 

9. In Kenya, Nearly 2 People Die per Hour from TB

In Kenya, nearly two people die per hour from TB, even though effective treatment exists. TB is the fourth largest cause of death in the country.

10. TB Cases Are Increasing in South Sudan

War and conflict in South SUdan has caused fragmentation of the medical system. This led to the disruption of the detection and treatment of TB. As a result, cases are increasing.

11.  Zambia Has One of the Highest Burdens in Africa

The burden of TB in Zambia is one of the highest on the African continent. Many people with TB also have HIV (59%), increasing the risk of mortality.  

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