On March 24 , 2024, the World marked the World Tuberculosis Day under the theme  : Yes we can end Tuberculosis .

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) TB is killing over 3,000 people every day. In 2022, TB killed 1.3 million people, 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022 and 75 million
lives saved since 2000 by global efforts to end TB.

We know how to end TB. We have the lifesaving tools to prevent, diagnose and treat TB, but we must break down the barriers and inequities that cause millions of people to suffer and die from TB every year.

“Tuberculosis is a contagious and serious disease, which kills if it is not treated in time and effectively. When it is Poorly treated, it is accompanied by resistance which will then be difficult to treat but with medication taken correctly according to the indications of the doctor, the patient recovers without any after-effects.

The main signs and symptoms of this disease are:
– a cough that lasts more than 2 weeks, 
– a fever, 
– unexplained weight loss, 
– Night sweats
– A change in general condition with difficulty or even impossibility in carrying out daily tasks . 

A person who presents these signs/symptoms should then consult a doctor, especially if they have been in contact with a person who has this disease” replied Dr. Fabrice Elysé NAHIMANA, Doctor responsible for care at Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) during an interview with him.

Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), in its concern to fight Tuberculosis, has put in place measures to effectively fight this disease:
– To avoid contagion, each patient who has a cough is offered a mask and explained how to use it and above all the interest of this gesture (cutting the chain of contagion).
– Each supply to the PLHIV (beneficiary of the SYM) is accompanied by TB screening,

-With a positive screening, there is then screening by GeneXpert, the person is directly put on anti-tuberculosis treatment with monitoring until recovery with supporting advice.

– If the result is negative, the person is given Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).

By, Communications Team,

Service Yezu Mwiza,

Burundi