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Published on 2024-03-28 11:37:30
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health concern, claiming more lives than HIV and COVID-19 combined. Researchers at the MRC Unit The Gambia (MRCG) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) recently published a commentary in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine focusing on the complications of TB in children and adolescents. Their work coincided with World TB Day 2024, observed on March 24th each year to commemorate Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882.
The commentary sheds light on the long-term complications that many individuals face even after being successfully treated for TB. These complications often require ongoing medical care and impact the quality of life of those affected. This year’s World TB Day theme, “Yes! We can end TB,” emphasizes the importance of collective action to achieve zero TB cases and deaths. Dr. Esin Nkereuwem, a Clinical Research Fellow at MRCG, highlighted the need to address the lasting effects of TB on children and adolescents, stating that prevention is crucial but so is supporting those already suffering from the consequences of the disease.
Dr. Toyin Togun, Co-Director of LSHTM’s TB Centre, emphasized the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and TB advocacy organizations to meet the targets set out in the End TB Strategy and Sustainable Development Goal 3. He stressed the need to not overlook the millions of children worldwide who are affected by TB and the physical and social challenges it brings.
In order to achieve a TB-free world, innovative approaches and sustained efforts are required. It is vital to prioritize the well-being of individuals who continue to struggle with TB-related complications even after treatment. By working together and focusing on the most vulnerable populations, progress can be made towards ending TB for good.
For more information about the research and initiatives at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, please contact Isatou Njai-Cham, Head of Communications and Engagement, at [email protected] or visit their office at P. O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia.
World TB Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against TB and the importance of addressing its long-term consequences. By raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for those affected, we can move closer to a world free of TB and its devastating impact on individuals and communities.
Read the original article on The Standard
