Tuberculosis has been know to mankind since ancient ages. It was commonly called "consumption" at the turn of the last century, because of the way the disease seemed to "consume" those affected by it. Many were labeled or nicknamed-"Lung-ers" due to their Tuberculosis symptoms...pale clammy skin, profuse sweating, severe weakness and coughing up blood.
Spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Tuberculosis is facilitated by several factors, overcrowding living spaces, orphanages, prisons, and the presences of extreme poverty. One active TB individual can infect 10-15 people every day.
Tuberculosis is a hundred percent curable disease, if treated in the early stages. Treatment can take up to nine months, depending on the condition of person's infection and overall health. Medications are the cornerstone of treatment and antibiotics must be taken for at least six to nine months. BCG, The TB vaccine has little effect in the treatment of adults, with a slightly better success in children.
However, there are two more major obstacles to decrease the severity of the disease, as well as limiting its contagion from one person . Many people either don't have access to needed medications or they don't take the medication properly. Consequently millions die, millions continue to be infected.
The other obstacle is the reality of Tuberculosis effects each individual through the stigma born from ignorance and the lack of information about the disease. It is often a silent killer, where people do not want to engage to the reality of its cause. Education and acknowledgment is a key component and truly a matter of life and death.
No one should die of Tuberculosis, is the mission of incredible and dedicated work happening all over the world. In an effort to reduce the numbers of those infected with this deadly disease. Tabibu Africa is of those organizations in this call to action. You too can have a positive effect in the health and welfare of others.
