Bangkok: Beware of the dangers of tuberculosis in 2024, new patients have surged to over 113,000, with over 13,000 deaths. The government has set a target to reduce the tuberculosis death rate by 95 percent and reduce new patients by 90 percent.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, revealed that the World Health Organization and the Stop TB Partnership have resolved to designate March 24 of each year as World TB Day to jointly campaign against TB and to remind people around the world that TB is still prevalent and a major health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2024 indicates that TB remains a dangerous infectious disease with more than 10.8 million patients and approximately 1.3 million deaths from TB globally. In Thailand, approximately 113,000 new TB patients and more than 13,000 deaths were recorded, marking it as a significant health concern for the country.
The Ministry of Public Health has embarked on tuberculosis control operations aligned with the National Action Plan on Tuberculosis Prevention. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the End TB Strategy of the United Nations and WHO. The strategy is implemented through the Tuberculosis Health Service System Development Plan (Service Plan) by actively identifying patients in high-risk groups, diagnosing, treating, and preventing tuberculosis efficiently, and supporting operations in all dimensions. The objective is to reduce the tuberculosis mortality rate by 95 percent and new patient incidence by 90 percent by 2035.
The Department of Disease Control has also put into effect the national action plan for combating tuberculosis, consistent with the SDGs and the End TB Strategy by 2035. The strategic priorities include accelerating the search and diagnosis of tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in all risk groups, improving care for these patients, enhancing access to diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, preventing the spread of infection, and reinforcing the tuberculosis operation support system.
Tuberculosis is a contagious respiratory disease spread by patients coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths and noses. The primary symptoms include chronic coughing for more than two weeks, coughing up blood, fever, weight loss, unusual night sweats, chest pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Immediate medical consultation is advised if there is a cough with blood to receive appropriate treatment and prevent acute respiratory failure and death.
The government recommends preventive measures against tuberculosis such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and health check-ups if any unusual symptoms appear. These measures aim to help Thailand achieve the goal of 'sustainably ending tuberculosis' in line with international standards, as emphasized by Mr. Karam.