Communities Key to Combating Tuberculosis :Former Nepalese Health Secretary

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe

Nepal's former Health Secretary and Chest Physician Dr Dirgh Singh Bam has emphasised the crucial role of communities in the fight against Tuberculosis(TB).

Today, in his opening keynote address at the Community Connect Session in Bali Indonesia Dr Bam said empowering communities on TB-related issues ensures no-one is left behind in TB prevention and treatment programs and reduces the global TB mortality rate.

"Communities are key in combating TB and are a force of change as empowered communities can access TB prevention,diagnosis and treatment services more effectively"said Dr Bam.

He also stressed the need for a multisectoral approach to addressing the global health threat of TB which has deeply rooted itself and is impacting negatively on the social and economic lives of people yet its a curable disease.

"Creating a sustainable space within communities is vital to reducing global TB mortality and burden as over a million people die annually from this curable disease" he said.

Dr Bam also emphasised the importance of dispelling the myths and misconceptions associated with TB so that every stakeholder including communities takes a lead in eliminating TB.

By prioritising community empowerment significant strides can be achieved in ending the TB epidemic by 2030 as envisioned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Bam's call to action underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in combating TB and by leveraging community power and addressing misconceptions a TB free future can be achieved.