Noren: The initial patient with tuberculosis I encountered in Nairobi had an advanced form of drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). The chances of the known cure being effective for him were very slim. Despite this, he remained optimistic as he received his Delamanid medication daily. Unfortunately, it was eventually out of stock.
Green: Oh my god.
Noren: I told him, “This situation is terrible for you, Barak. It’s also scary for your wife and five children.” Thankfully, they were screened and found to be TB-free. However, due to his illness, he was bankrupt and had to send his family to live in the village.
XDR-TB not only poses a threat to him and his family but also to everyone in close proximity to him. Living in close quarters with 500 other individuals increases the risk for all involved.
Green: Yes, this is a tragic situation that affects many individuals on a global scale. It’s a crisis for human health worldwide, as antibiotic resistance becomes a serious concern.
Without effective tools to combat tuberculosis, we risk regressing to a time when the disease was rampant and deadly. Personal stories from the past, like my great uncle’s death from tuberculosis, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences.
Noren: Could this happen in the US?
Green: Yes, the US has seen a rise in tuberculosis cases, with around 10,000 active cases reported this year. The lack of robust public health systems and access to treatment contributes to this increase.
Noren: Why is this happening?
Green: Our inadequate public health infrastructure and insufficient treatment options are major factors in the rise of tuberculosis cases. We need to address these issues to prevent further spread of the disease.
Noren: We have the knowledge to create a world free from tuberculosis, yet we fail to act. Why do you think we are complacent in this regard?
Source: www.nytimes.com
