Tuberculosis
Cambodia has one of the highest tuberculosis burdens in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. TB and its drug-resistant forms can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat, especially in resource-poor countries, where the disease takes advantage of immune systems weaken by malnutrition and HIV, and people have limited access to health care. MSF has been working to improve TB diagnosis, treatment, and training in southeastern city of Kampong Cham.
TB is one of the most deadly infectious diseases in the world. Each year it kills 1.6 million people, with another nine million suffering from the disease, mainly in developing countries. TB is the major killer of people living with HIV in Africa. Almost half a million people develop multi drug-resistant strains of the disease every year.
TB is highly infectious and spreads mainly through the air. Coughing, sneezing, talking and spitting by an infected person can spread the bacteria and it can remain in the air for several hours before being inhaled by another person. TB is particularly common amongst young children, who have immature immune systems, and people with lowered immune systems, such as those infected with HIV....
11 May 2012
HIV activists marching to the US Consulate in Sandton. Photo: MSF
11 April 2012
DRC, Chad, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Haiti
12 April 2012
To:
Ms. M Hela, Registrar of Medicines. By e-mail
Professor PFK Eagles, Medicines Control Council, Chairperson. By e-mail
Dr. NE Khomo, Medicines Control Council, Vice-Chair. By e-mail
Ms. P Nkambule, MCC Clinical Evaluation & Trials, Clinical Trials Committee. By e-mail
Dr S Munbodh, MCC Clinical Evaluation & Trials, Section 21. By e-mail
CC:
The Hon. Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister Of Health. By fax
Regarding: Compassionate use of bedaquiline for drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa
Dear Registrar Hela, Professor Eagles, Dr. Khomo, Ms. Nkambule, Dr. Munbodh and Honourable Minister Motsoaledi
South Africa has a serious epidemic of drug resistant tuberculosis. Every year approximately 10...
27 March 2012
Phumeza Tisile looks out of her bedroom window at Lizo Nobando TB Care Centre, Khayelitsha, Western Cape. Photo: Sam Reinders
29 March 2012
22 March 2012, over a thousand health activists took to the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa to protest the recent global funds cuts. Photo:MSF
22 March 2012
Infographic: The history of tuberculosis
23 March 2012
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patient and TBME blogger Athong talks from India about how MSF has helped him with the disease. To read his blog visit http://bit.ly/GJ6jBq
