Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is made a
very strong comeback and effects million across the globe. It is estimated that
over 8.7 million new cases were reported in 2011 and over 1.4 million deaths
last year were caused by TB, which makes it the second most lethal infectious
disease. Of these new, cases a large number are multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Most of the people with the disease are spreading it,
because they are unaware that they have it as a result of inaccurate diagnosis
and reporting of the cases. Patients who have regular TB and are not properly
treated are the cause of the drug-resistant strains of the disease. This is
quickly becoming a huge problem worldwide and the World Health Organization
(WHO) recently reported that it is on the verge of being a public health
emergency. They also stated that there are current and new tools that are being
tested and doing well in clinical trials. So many wonder why TB still poses
such a threat. The answer lies in little importance being placed on the disease
and a lack of funding. There is a three billion dollar gap that is needed to be
met next year to further the fight against TB. Most of those who suffer from
the disease live in undeveloped or developing nations that are unable to
provide the full funds needed. In addition, these nations are not taking the issue
seriously and not devoting enough funds to it. Therefore, most of the funding
to cover the gap will have to come from the international community. This has
been the case for several years and the USAID organization has been a big
supporter of the cause and states that it will continue to do so. This funding
is could help to eradicate TB and save millions of lives. The WHO states that
this funding has been helpful in the past and has cured 51 million people and
saved close to 20 million lives.
http://www.globalissues.org/news/2012/10/17/15078
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