In many places pandemic has stopped some regular activities like Tuberculosis detection and management which can cost heavily later on in terms of clinical and economical burden on heath care system. Isn't it important to address this issues properly specially in Tuberculosis prone countries?
Dear Israt,
you posted a very interesting question. Tuberculosis is an impressive sanitary burden since about 5000 years, but alas the Scientific Community treat such a disease as a secondary importance threat, probably because, nowadays, it is mainly diffused in Third World Countries. With this in mind, we can clearly see how Covid-19 pandemic nearly erased other diseases from the current emergencies agenda. In my opinion, you are absolutely right; tuberculosis is a very dangerous pathology, and it could cause a true disaster if we do not remember that Covid-19 is not the only danger. Alas, being the root of such problem a socioeconomic bias, it could be very difficult to bring such dilemma to the international agencies' ears.
Best,
Dave
This is a very interesting topic.
In my opinion, tuberculosis is a very dangerous disease having high case fatality rate. 10 million people contracted Tuberculosis last year. 1.5 million people DIED," Preventive COVID-19 measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing and closing public spaces and businesses, have not been prioritized for tuberculosis despite its deadliness.
Davide Frumento Thanks for your valuable opinion and putting light on this all important issue.
There is a lot of fear among the clients due to the close similarity between TB and COVID-19 symptoms. Clients with symptoms fear presenting in the facilities lest they be put in quarantine. Similarly, healthcare workers are worried about contracting COVID-19, this is so especially in resource limited settings where biosafety cabinets and N95 masks are not available
Dear Edwin
Thanks for admitting a important aspect of this ongoing crisis. A crisis brings a new one and this may appear sometime as a disastrous phenomenon. Tuberculosis is not getting enough attention in this dire pandemic which can lead to a long term economic burden to the low and middle income countries as they might have to deal with the increased number of complicated tuberculosis cases.
Regards
Md. Israt Hasan
Indeed, the question is important because it "sticks your finger on the sore" and is valid for tuberculosis and, unfortunately, for many other important pathologies and the answer, although it weighs us, IS YES: Covid-19 has been in the political and media point of view (of the "mass media") and, therefore, of the social debate ... thus, and for reasons often of opportunity and / or political convenience and not necessarily scientific and / or clinical , many other health problems -even of greater importance- have gone to the background, so that not only tuberculosis, but also diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other cerebrovascular accidents, cancers, respiratory problems of all kinds, digestive, neurocognitive and a long etcetera seem as if they no longer exist (and what about Mental Health or Dentistry?), taking a back seat after "the pandemic" ... even research funds, scholarships and aids that have made not a few lines of research and projects have been stopped or cut off ... but people BEFORE SICK AND DIED NOT JUST FROM COVID-19, THEY CONTINUE TO DO IT AND WILL CONTINUE !!!
Not only TB all respiratory, ENT diseases were not actually ignored nor neglected rather it should call avoided due to fear of being contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 during its initial outbreak. Now, the situation is developed in shape, protocols have been chalked out, clear to all concerned and specialists are performing better, more comfortably with necessary precautions.
Francisco Javier Gala Dear! You rightly shed light upon the matter. I think for low income countries TB is a bigger issue than Covid-19 infection in terms of the disease consequences, complications and long-term socio-economic burden. Thanks so much for your response.
Md Rabiul Alam you are right sir. somewhere it is ignored, somewhere avoided, but that's not a bigger problem. The concern is about ongoing TB programs round the globe specially in third world countries whether they are running properly or not. Is there any gap which can bring much bigger long-term "Social disability" and "Economic Burden".
Thank you, dear Md. Israt... but, more important than my humble answer is the correct and timely question. CONGRATULATIONS!
Dear Terri Purvis
. Thanks for your sharp note and for the link as well.
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