Covid-19 has affected the number of people seeking health care for tuberculosis. Funds Decrease: Report

The report proposed several actions and commitments for the WHO, STOP TB Partnership, Global TB Caucus and Global Fund to jointly call for action. (Source: Getty Images)

of COVID-19 Pandemic A new report released on Tuesday has had a significant impact on the number of people seeking and receiving TB (TB) health care. Globally, 70% of healthcare workers report a decline in the number of people attending health care facilities for tuberculosis testing, according to the report.

According to the report, in India, tuberculosis patients report major challenges in accessing tuberculosis services during pandemics and related blockades. Difficulty finding transport, fear of getting Covid-19 during a healthcare visit, and increased stigma due to TB and Covid-19 having similar symptoms are major barriers faced by TB patients. The report states that it is one. TB Pandemic-Community Perspective. ” It shows key findings in India, the United States and Kenya.

The report proposed several actions and commitments for the WHO, STOP TB Partnership, Global TB Caucus and Global Fund to jointly call for action.

This report was produced after a gathering of 10 global networks in response to an early warning that Covid-19 is having a devastating impact on people affected by tuberculosis and tuberculosis programs around the world. .. The network has launched a civil society-led study to identify significant gaps and needs in pandemic tuberculosis services and highlight the voices of tuberculosis-affected communities and civil society.

Professor Madukalpai, director of the Magill International Center for Tuberculosis, said the study, which involved more than 1,000 people from 89 countries, was developed and carried out by a core working group of tuberculosis advocates and researchers. Most tuberculosis patients were given additional medication to continue treatment at home, but researchers clearly defined the need for immediate non-medical support, including nutritional, financial, and psychosocial support. I made an urgent statement.

The results of the study show how Covid-19 affects five key stakeholder groups: tuberculosis patients, front-line healthcare professionals, program and policy makers, tuberculosis researchers, and tuberculosis advocates. Shows the view of grass roots.

Pai, who was centered on a collaborative group of research and reporting, said: “This report shows that the Covid-19 pandemic is absolutely devastating to our quest to end tuberculosis. Further efforts to mitigate the damage and focus on tuberculosis over the long term. need to do it.”

Tuberculosis is the world’s leading infectious disease, killing 1.5 million people each year. Too many people suffer from this disease, despite global and national efforts to eradicate tuberculosis and the availability of cost-effective drugs to treat and treat tuberculosis. .. The survey collected responses from 237 tuberculosis patients in 16 countries. Of these, 58 responses came from India.

Tuberculosis patients in Kenya (159) and India (58) reported significant challenges in accessing tuberculosis services during the pandemic and associated blockades. Difficulty in finding transportation to access tuberculosis care, changes in tuberculosis services, and the risk of Covid-19 during a healthcare visit were cited as major barriers.

Patients with tuberculosis also reported that they experienced an increase in stigma due to similar symptoms of both respiratory illnesses.

In India, 36% of tuberculosis patients report that the medical facilities they normally visit are closed, and in Kenya, 50% of tuberculosis patients report that they could not find a way to get to the medical facility.

Responses from policymakers and program officials (n = 115) revealed that the pandemic significantly reduced TB services and program resources. TB notifications have been significantly reduced and personnel have been reassigned to accommodate Covid-19.

According to the survey results, front-line TB healthcare workers (n = 150) reported a significant reduction in TB treatment due to pandemics. The main reasons for the interruption were the relocation of essential resources and personnel to respond to the Covid-19 health crisis and the generally weak healthcare system struggling to cope with the influx of demand.

Brescinakmar, a coalition of global TB activists, said there is an urgent need for a recovery plan to put TB control back on track and meet the commitment of the Sustainable Development Goals to end TB by 2030. Here by communities around the world. Our community needs support to be involved and empowered in the response to tuberculosis and Covid-19, “Kumar said.

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