Posted: 24/03/2008
Worldwide, there were 9.1 million new cases of TB detected in 2006. An estimated 1.5 million people died from the disease in the same year, and India has more cases of TB than any other country in the world.
Tuberculosis is an infectious and often deadly disease that most commonly affects the lungs. TB is spread by droplet infection when people cough, sneeze, speak or spit. TB is both preventable and curable, and yet it is still a problem of enormous proportions in India.
In Delhi's slum areas, ignorance, lack of money and lack of access to health services mean that many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. The cramped living conditions mean that the infection spreads easily from person to person. People with poor diets tend to be more prone to infection, and once ill they may be reluctant to see a doctor as they cannot afford not to work.
There is also a social stigma associated with TB in India, and sufferers may be rejected and isolated by their community. A study quoted by the Times of India states that around 100,000 women are rejected by their families once they contract the disease. Fear of social exclusion causes 75% of women to dismiss the TB symptom of severe and persistent coughing as "seasonal".
Asha's network of Community Health Volunteers and staff at the Asha clinics combat these problems in a number of ways. Firstly, community training programmes are run to raise awareness of the problem and ensure that people will recognise the symptoms of TB as well as the adverse effects of the disease on the community as a whole.
Scrupulous community screening allows the disease to be detected and treated promptly. Asha collaborates with the government by participating in their DOTS (Direct Observed Treatment) strategy. TB needs to be treated with a long course of daily antibiotics and the DOTS treatment makes it possible for healthcare professionals to make sure that medication is taken as prescribed. Asha staff also make sure that people infected with TB are counselled and advised on the importance of nutritious food and other ways to aid their recovery.
Finally, parents are encouraged to get their children vaccinated against the disease, and the vaccination is included in Asha's child health programme for children under the age of five.
These measures have resulted in improved attempts to combat the TB, and fewer incidences of the drug-resistant strains.
You can find out more about Tuberculosis by visiting the World TB Day website at
http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/2008/
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Gyanwati, an Asha CHV, with Alao, a young TB victim who is recovering with Asha's help
A TB patient being treated using the "DOTS" (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course) regime at an Asha clinic
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I despaired when I came to Delhi and had to live in a slum hut for shelter. I couldn't see how things would improve, but Asha's training has given me the confidence to lead others and work as a group to make changes. Now I enjoy helping other women who were once like me see how things can be so much better.
Rekha, women's group member, Zakhira
