Posted: 23/03/2011
Tuberculosis is curable. Yet 1.6 million people die from the disease every year. Better drugs and diagnostics are needed to fight TB. But one of the most effective weapons against TB is greater awareness.
March 24th is World TB Day. This day is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of several million people each year, mostly in developing countries.
How much do you know about TB? Click here to take this WHO quiz.
TB is one of the leading causes of mortality in India, killing 2 persons every three minute and nearly 1,000 every day. India is still the country with the higherst proportion of TB cases worldwide. Since 1997, the Indian Government has made TB treatment a top health priority. Successfully piloted DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) has been implemented in India as the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. A large challenge in a national programme like this is reaching the most vulnerable populations who have the least access to health services and awareness.
Asha's work in Delhi slums has led to a compete reversal of TB epidemics in those areas. In most slums, TB is a constant concern. Asha's community health programme educates all slum residents on the dangers and symptoms of TB, with awareness spread by lane volunteers, communit health volunteers and members of the women and children's association. This leads to early TB detection and more effective treatment. Last year 291 people wer cured in Asha slums and 95% of patients were adhereing to regular treatment. Asha's work, in partnership with the Government and the community has shown that TB deaths and new infections can be prevented even among the poorest of the poor.
Support the eradication of TB in Delhi's slums on World TB Day 2011. Click here to donate to Asha's healthcare programme.
Above: Community Health Volunteer educating slum residents
Transformation of lives is possible through educating and creating awareness about health and hygiene and empowering people to lobby for their rights. I truly believe that these people can completely change their lives. We are only here to help them.
Sweeta, Senior Programme Assistant, Asha
