Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world with over a million people dying from it every year.
Even with medical advancements, 10.8 million people got sick with TB in 2023, and sadly, 1.25 million people lost their lives. These numbers serve as a stark reminder that TB is still a major global health issue.
That’s why World Tuberculosis Day, observed every year on March 24th, is so important—it raises awareness and encourages action to fight TB.
For the past two years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has focused on the urgent need to end TB. The 2024 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB!”, emphasized global determination.
This year, the theme evolves to “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” underlining the need for strong commitments, increased funding, and improved treatment strategies.
Let’s explore how the world is tackling TB and how technology plays a vital role in the fight against this disease.
What is TB and why does it still affect millions?
TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. However, it can also spread to other parts of the body. The disease is airborne, it spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious.
Despite medical advancements, TB persists due to several challenges:
- Drug resistance: Many patients fail to complete their treatment due to poverty, lack of awareness, or limited healthcare access, leading to the rise of Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB). MDR-TB is resistant to the two most effective first-line TB drugs, making treatment longer, more expensive, and harder to manage.
- Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB): When MDR-TB is left untreated or not treated properly, it can develop into XDR-TB. This is even more difficult to cure as it is resistant to most available treatment options.
- Lack of early detection: Many cases go undiagnosed or are diagnosed too late, allowing the disease to spread further.
To stop TB, we must prioritize early detection, effective treatment, and patient education.
How the world is fighting TB?
Governments, health organisations, and NGOs worldwide are ramping up their efforts to eradicate TB. Here are some of the major initiatives:
Strengthening national TB programs
- WHO’s end TB strategy: Aims to reduce TB incidence by 80% and TB deaths by 90% by 2030.
- India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): India targets TB elimination by 2025, by offering free diagnostics, medications, and patient support.
- Global TB strategic initiative: Supported by the Global Fund, WHO, and Stop TB Partnership, this initiative strengthens national TB programs.
- Alliance of Countries against TB: Led by WHO, this coalition includes high-burden TB countries and committed global supporters working to accelerate TB eradication.
Improving diagnosis and treatment
- Advanced diagnostic tools: New rapid tests like GeneXpert and TrueNat detect TB and drug-resistant strains faster.
- New treatment regimens: Shorter and more effective drug courses, including Bedaquiline and Delamanid, to improve outcomes.
- Preventive measures: WHO is promoting TB preventive therapy for those at high risk.
Promoting research and innovation
- Vaccine development: New vaccines like M72/AS01E, which has shown promising results, are under development.
- Understanding TB immunity: Research is focused on better understanding how vaccines can protect against TB.
- Increased investment: Governments and organisations are funding TB research to accelerate progress.
Innovative startups using technology to fight tuberculosis
Plasmonic Diagnostics: Quick & simple TB testing
US-based Plasmonic Diagnostics has created a low-cost, non-invasive TB test that analyses urine samples. Unlike traditional tests, it doesn’t require blood, reducing infection risks for healthcare workers.
The test uses fluorescent ELISA technology to detect TB quickly and accurately. This breakthrough makes early diagnosis easier, leading to faster treatment and better patient outcomes.
Arkangel AI: AI-powered X-ray analysis
Canadian startup Arkangel AI uses artificial intelligence to detect TB from chest X-rays in seconds. This is especially useful in areas where radiologists are scarce.
Their technology can also identify COVID-19, fibrosis, and other lung diseases.
Quratis: A better TB vaccine
South Korean startup Quratis is developing a new TB vaccine called QTP101. The current BCG vaccine is not very effective, especially in adults. Quratis’ vaccine targets multiple TB proteins to provide stronger and longer-lasting immunity.
It also works as a booster for the BCG vaccine, improving its effectiveness. This innovation could help prevent TB and reduce infections globally.
Everwell: Helping patients stick to their treatment
Indian startup Everwell developed 99DOTS, a simple tool that reminds TB patients to take medicine. It uses hidden codes on medication packaging, which patients send via a free call or SMS after taking their dose.
Everwell also offers video monitoring to ensure patients complete their treatment. This system helps prevent relapses and reduces the spread of TB.
NextGen Invitro Diagnostics: Faster TB testing
Gurugram-based NextGen Invitro Diagnostics (NGIVD) developed TB-Lamp, a rapid TB testing technology. This test extracts DNA and delivers results in just 1.5 hours, compared to the usual one-week wait.
Developed in partnership with Human Diagnostics Worldwide, it is recommended by WHO. TB-Lamp is especially useful in remote areas, ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The road ahead
While progress is being made, completely eliminating TB will take continued effort. Governments, healthcare workers and communities are playing their role by funding, improving treatment options and spreading awareness.
You, as an individual can contribute by:
- Learning and spreading awareness about TB prevention and symptoms.
- Supporting organisations working towards TB eradication.
- Encouraging early testing and treatment in your community.
This World Tuberculosis Day, let’s all do our part to support the fight against TB.
Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team