World TB Day 2022
Invest to end TB. Save lives.
Each year on the 24th of March we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences that TB brings forth.
The theme which is chosen to represent this year’s World TB Day is, ‘Invest to end TB. Save lives.’, this message conveys the urgent need to invest in resources to speed up the fight against TB.
Let us also take this day, to focus on the management of TB in children, as they are some of the most vulnerable groups standing at risk of getting infected with TB disease.
It is unacceptable for society to neglect childhood TB, as diagnosing TB in this age group, unfortunately comes with difficulties. Childhood TB is a silent epidemic across the world, it is up to us to raise awareness about this disease and those having to live with it.
What does TB in children look like?
The diagnosis of TB disease in children (also called pediatric tuberculosis) is a public health problem of special significance, as it can indicate a recent transmission of TB. It is important to know the difference between the two main types of TB, as not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick:
· Latent TB infection. This means that there is TB bacteria in the body that could potentially cause active TB disease. During this time, the bacteria cannot be transmitted to another person. But if the immune system can’t keep the bacteria from growing, the bacteria will become active.
· TB disease. Usually signs and symptoms will indicate that the bacteria has become an active infection. It is important to go for TB testing if you suspect that you or someone else may be infected with the disease, this can be done through a skin test or a chest X-ray.
TB symptoms:
· Coughing for three or more weeks
· Coughing up blood or mucus
· Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
· Sudden weight loss
· Constantly feeling tired
· Fever
· Night sweats
· Chills
· Loss of appetite
Remember, even though TB may be mostly associated with the respiratory system and a distinctive cough, there are other types of tuberculosis in which children don’t experience symptoms at all. Apart from latent TB, TB can also occur in bones and joints.
Helping prevent the spread of TB in children
One of the most effective ways to prevent children getting infected by TB is to make sure that they receive the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccination prevents severe forms of TB in children.
“It is unacceptable for society to neglect childhood TB”
Let us take action to prevent the spread of TB in children.
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with an illness, feel free to contact us for counselling and support.
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