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Strict control of TB virus infection essential for public health

MYANMAR is one of the 30 countries with the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV co-infection, and drug-resistant TB globally. According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 report on global TB trends, there are 475 TB cases per 100,000 people in Myanmar, with 80 per cent of those affected potentially losing their lives.

As such, the National TB Control Project, part of the Public Health Department under the Ministry of Health, collaborates with both internal and external partner organizations to implement the project in line with the National Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Thanks to the efforts of health workers, over 120,000 TB patients received treatment in 2023, achieving an 88 per cent success rate in medical treatment.

Patients with TB disease need to begin medical treatment as soon as possible for effective recovery. TB is transmitted through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak loudly. As a result, the disease can spread to family members, as well as in public places such as offices, schools, factories, and other shared spaces.

Moreover, individuals with nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune systems, those who smoke excessively or drink heavily, older adults, children under five, patients with a history of diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, as well as people working in poorly lit or ventilated environments, and those living in poverty, are at a higher risk of contracting TB.

Hence, individuals who are experiencing symptoms of suspected TB should seek medical checkups. Government health units, along with private hospitals and clinics participating in the National TB Control Project, provide medical treatment to people with TB until they are free from the disease. Without proper medical treatment, TB can worsen, spreading from the lungs to other organs, leading to serious and unacceptable consequences.

In 2023, approximately 10.8 million people worldwide were infected with tuberculosis (TB), and 1.25 million patients lost their lives. According to the World Health Organization’s TB-Free Strategy, efforts are underway to reduce the TB incidence rate by 50 per cent by 2025, compared to the number of cases in 2015. Moreover, the goal is to reduce the TB-related fatality rate by 75 per cent.

Everyone should prioritize their health. Tuberculosis (TB) can be fatal if neglected. Therefore, it is crucial for people in Myanmar to follow the health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health to protect themselves from TB. Furthermore, they should cooperate with government health organizations in implementing the TB control project.

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