Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease, caused by bacteria. Each year, TB claims the lives of 1.7 million people world wide.
TB is not only a problem in third-world-countries, but also here in Canada, with a higher prevalence in the northern provinces.
Due to the lack of vaccination, disease prevention is most important. Additionally, some TB bacteria have changed over the years, giving rise to forms of multi-drug resistant TB, which means treatment is lengthy, complicated and accompanied by severe side effects.
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Did you know that 1 in 4 people in this world have TB?
March 24 is World TB day, raising awareness and providing an opportunity to mobilize funds towards TB elimination.
I am glad to see Canada as a top donor to the Global Fund to fight Tuberculosis. I hope that this commitment continues in the future so that we can meet our goal to stop TB.
Karolin Klement, PhD
Calgary, Alta.
