As the world observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024 under the theme “Yes! We can end TB,” Nepal joins the global campaign with a series of programs aimed at combatting the infectious disease.
In Baglung, a district in Nepal, efforts to prevent tuberculosis are being intensified through an expanded testing campaign.
Dev Prakash Ghimire, the leprosy inspector for the district, announced plans to broaden the scope of tuberculosis testing by conducting blood tests for family members of those infected. Last year, 235 cases of tuberculosis were reported in the district, with the number rising to 227 within the first eight months of the current fiscal year, indicating a concerning trend of increasing infections.
Baburam Acharya, the head of the district health office, attributed the rise in reported cases to the expanded testing infrastructure, with tuberculosis tests now being conducted in 14 laboratories across the district. This expanded testing capacity has led to earlier detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis cases, thereby contributing to the apparent increase in reported infections.
Amar Bahadur Thapa, Chief of the district coordination committee, emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to prevent tuberculosis, including heightened awareness campaigns targeting the local population. Thapa urged for a unified approach to combatting the spread of tuberculosis, highlighting the necessity of community engagement and proactive measures to curb the transmission of the disease.
As Baglung steps up its efforts to tackle tuberculosis on World Tuberculosis Day, the district’s commitment to disease prevention and public health remains steadfast. Through collaborative initiatives and proactive interventions, Baglung aims to mitigate the impact of tuberculosis and protect the health and well-being of its residents.