There was major global recovery in the number of people diagnosed with TB wand treated in 2022, after two years of covid -related disruptions says the WHO Global TB report.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a serious and contagious disease that has been a major public health concern for many years. Here are some key points about tuberculosis:

1. Transmission: TB is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person with active TB in their lungs coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected.
2. Latent vs. Active TB: TB infection can manifest in two main forms:
• Latent TB Infection (LTBI): In this form, the bacteria are in the body but not causing symptoms or sickness. LTBI is not contagious, but it can progress to active TB disease if left untreated.
• Active TB Disease: This form causes symptoms and can be transmitted to others. It can affect the lungs (pulmonary TB) or other organs (extrapulmonary TB).
3. Symptoms: Symptoms of active TB disease may include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. Extrapulmonary TB can result in symptoms specific to the affected organs.
4. Diagnosis: TB can be diagnosed through various methods, including a skin or blood test, sputum culture, chest X-rays, and molecular tests. Diagnosis is often confirmed by identifying the bacteria in a sputum sample.
5. Treatment: TB is treatable with antibiotics. The standard treatment regimen is a combination of antibiotics taken for several months. Adherence to the full course of treatment is essential to cure the infection and prevent drug resistance.
6. Drug-Resistant TB: Some strains of TB have developed resistance to common TB drugs. This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it requires more specialized and longer treatment with different medications.
7. Prevention: TB can be prevented through vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which provides some protection against severe forms of TB in children. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment of active TB cases can help prevent the spread of the disease.
8. Global Impact: TB is a global health concern and one of the top infectious killers worldwide. It is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts to combat TB include public health programs, improved diagnostics, and the development of new vaccines and treatments.
9. Co-Infection with HIV: TB and HIV often occur together, and co-infection is a significant challenge, as HIV weakens the immune system, making it more difficult to control TB. Screening and managing TB in people with HIV is essential.
10. Social Determinants: Factors such as poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare can contribute to the spread of TB. Addressing these social determinants is critical to TB control efforts.
11. WHO's End TB Strategy: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a global strategy to end the TB epidemic. It includes ambitious targets for reducing TB-related deaths and new cases.

TB is a preventable and treatable disease, but its impact remains substantial in many parts of the world. Global efforts to combat TB include vaccination, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and measures to address the social determinants that contribute to its spread.

MDR-TB and XDR-TB are both forms of tuberculosis (TB) that are more resistant to treatment than the typical drug-susceptible TB. Here's an explanation of each:

1. MDR-TB (Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis):
• MDR-TB is a form of TB in which the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to at least two of the most potent first-line anti-TB drugs: isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF).
• It is typically caused by improper use of TB medications, including failure to complete the full course of treatment, incorrect dosages, or the use of substandard or counterfeit drugs.
• MDR-TB requires a more prolonged and complex treatment regimen compared to drug-susceptible TB. Second-line anti-TB drugs, which are less effective and often have more side effects, are used.
• Treatment for MDR-TB can last 18 to 24 months or longer and may involve daily injections, which can be challenging for patients.
• The cure rate for MDR-TB is lower compared to drug-susceptible TB, and the treatment is more expensive.
2. XDR-TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis):
• XDR-TB is an even more severe form of drug-resistant TB. In addition to resistance to INH and RIF, XDR-TB bacteria are also resistant to at least one fluoroquinolone (a group of antibiotics) and one of the three injectable second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin).
• XDR-TB is often a result of inadequate treatment of MDR-TB or can be acquired directly when a person is exposed to XDR-TB.
• Treating XDR-TB is extremely challenging, as the options for effective antibiotics become severely limited.
• The treatment of XDR-TB can be long and arduous, lasting up to 2-3 years or more, and may involve medications with potentially serious side effects.
• The cure rate for XDR-TB is lower than for MDR-TB, and treatment outcomes are often less favorable.

Both MDR-TB and XDR-TB pose significant public health challenges because they are more difficult and costly to treat, have lower cure rates, and can be transmitted to others. Preventing the development of drug-resistant TB is a priority, emphasizing the importance of using the correct drug regimen, completing treatment, and improving TB control programs. It is also essential to detect and manage drug-resistant TB cases promptly to prevent further transmission and the development of XDR-TB.

India has made significant efforts in controlling tuberculosis (TB) given the country's high TB burden and the need to address this public health challenge. The Indian government, along with various national and international partners, has implemented a range of strategies and initiatives to combat TB. Here are some of the key efforts and programs in India's fight against TB:

1. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP):
• The RNTCP is India's flagship program for TB control. It was launched in 1997 and has been instrumental in diagnosing and treating TB cases across the country.
• RNTCP provides free diagnosis and treatment for TB through a network of designated microscopy centers, treatment centers, and outreach services.
2. National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination:
• India has developed a National Strategic Plan to eliminate TB by 2025. The plan includes strategies to find and treat all TB cases, including drug-resistant TB, and to strengthen health systems.
3. TB Diagnostic Services:
• India has expanded access to TB diagnostic services, including the introduction of more sensitive and rapid diagnostic tools, such as GeneXpert machines, which can detect drug-resistant TB.
4. Community Health Workers:
• Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and community health workers play a critical role in identifying and referring TB cases for diagnosis and treatment.
5. Engaging the Private Sector:
• Recognizing that a significant portion of TB cases are treated in the private sector, India has worked to engage private healthcare providers and improve the quality of care and reporting of TB cases in private facilities.
6. Nutritional Support:
• India provides nutritional support to TB patients, as adequate nutrition is an essential component of TB treatment and recovery.
7. Government Commitment:
• The Indian government has demonstrated a strong commitment to TB control, with increased funding and political support for TB programs.
8. Free TB Medication:
• The government provides free anti-TB medication to patients, including multi-drug-resistant TB drugs, through a network of directly observed treatment centers (DOTS).
9. TB Awareness Campaigns:
• India has conducted various awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, improve early detection, and promote adherence to TB treatment.
10. Involvement of Civil Society and International Partners:
• Civil society organizations and international partners have collaborated with the government to support TB control efforts in India.
11. Research and Innovation:
• India has been involved in TB research, contributing to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment regimens. The country has also been working on developing an indigenous TB vaccine.
12. Digital Initiatives:
• The use of digital technology, such as e-Nikshay (an online portal for TB case management), has improved monitoring and reporting of TB cases.

Despite these efforts, India still faces significant challenges in controlling TB, including the high burden of drug-resistant TB and the need for more extensive outreach and case-finding efforts. The government continues to work toward the goal of eliminating TB by 2025 and has pledged to accelerate efforts to achieve this goal. Addressing TB in India requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening health systems, improving diagnostics and treatment, and addressing social determinants of the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It was established on April 7, 1948, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO's primary objective is to promote and protect global health, and it plays a leading role in addressing a wide range of health-related issues worldwide. Here are some key aspects of WHO:

1. Mandate and Mission:
• WHO's mission is to ensure that people can enjoy the highest possible level of health. It works towards the achievement of the highest standard of physical and mental health for all people.
2. Leadership and Governance:
• WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, which is the decision-making body consisting of representatives from member states. The Assembly meets annually to set policies and priorities.
• The organization is led by a Director-General, who is appointed by the World Health Assembly. The Director-General serves a renewable five-year term.
3. Global Health Expertise:
• WHO is recognized as the leading international authority on public health. It provides evidence-based guidance and technical assistance to member states on a wide range of health issues.
4. Emergency Response:
• WHO plays a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies and pandemics. It coordinates international efforts to contain outbreaks and provides guidance on prevention and control measures.
5. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention:
• WHO promotes health and well-being by addressing factors that influence health, such as nutrition, sanitation, and lifestyle choices. It also provides guidelines for preventing and managing diseases.
6. Research and Data Collection:
• WHO conducts and supports research in various health areas, compiles health data, and disseminates information and reports to inform healthcare policies and practices.
7. Vaccination and Immunization:
• WHO is involved in vaccination campaigns and efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. It works with partners to ensure access to essential vaccines.
8. International Health Regulations:
• WHO has developed the International Health Regulations (IHR), which are binding agreements aimed at strengthening global health security by preventing the international spread of diseases.
9. Health Equity and Access:
• WHO advocates for health equity and access to essential healthcare services for all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
10. Collaboration:
• WHO collaborates with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations agencies, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to achieve its health goals.
11. Global Health Initiatives:
• WHO is involved in numerous initiatives to combat specific health challenges, such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.
12. Health-Related Campaigns:
• WHO conducts global campaigns on various health issues, such as World Health Day, World AIDS Day, and World No Tobacco Day, to raise awareness and promote action on specific health topics.

WHO's work spans a wide range of health issues, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, environmental health, emergency response, health systems strengthening, and much more. It plays a critical role in global health governance, policy development, and the coordination of efforts to improve health and well-being worldwide.