As the globe commemorated World TB Day, the fight against tuberculosis (TB) should not be limited to just one day of awareness. TB remains the world’s leading cause of death attributable to infectious diseases, claiming a life roughly every 20 seconds. As such, conversations around prevention, early detection and treatment must – continue especially in high-risk regions – to make meaningful progress in curbing its impact.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, a concerning increase from previous years, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive health measures that prioritise screening, rapid diagnosis, and community outreach to curb the spread of this preventable and treatable disease. It is estimated that 30% of TB cases go undiagnosed due to missed screenings and diagnostic tests, exacerbating community transmission and delaying critical treatment.
Dr Dion Kapp, Executive Manager: Managed Healthcare and Service Providers at Bestmed Medical Scheme, emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative healthcare in combating TB. “TB prevalence among our members has remained consistent over the last two years, but we are seeing an encouraging increase in screening and preventative care, including the uptake of paediatric vaccines to prevent severe TB in infants.”
“The main healthcare intervention available to reduce the risk of a TB infection progressing to active TB disease is TB preventive treatment. Recognising the symptoms of TB is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. The disease can manifest in different ways and, unfortunately, symptoms may overlap with those of other illnesses,” says Dr Kapp. “If you suspect you’ve contracted TB, or are experiencing any of the symptoms of TB, you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Fortunately, TB is a treatable and curable disease, but early diagnosis is essential to a quick and full recovery.”
TB poses a threat not only to individual health, but also to businesses, particularly in high-risk industries like mining, manufacturing and healthcare, where close working conditions increase the risk of transmission. Employers play a crucial role in safeguarding their workforce by ensuring employees have access to medical aid, support and guidance. Implementing internal outreach initiatives that educate staff about TB transmission, symptoms and treatment options is also essential in preventing the spread of the disease and promoting a healthier workplace.
“Medical schemes have a crucial role to play in bridging this gap by ensuring members have access to comprehensive TB screening, diagnostic services and treatment coverage. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have set a target to end the TB epidemic by 2030, making it critical for businesses, healthcare providers and policymakers to work together to accelerate TB control measures and help reduce the long-term burden of the disease,” concludes Dr Kapp.
