10.7 m active TB cases worldwide; 42% of Nepal patients untreated
In the fiscal year 2081/82, 39,151 new drug-sensitive TB cases were identified, including 39% women, 61% men, and 5.6% children under 15.
KATHMANDU: Nepal observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day across the country with various awareness programs under the slogan, “Yes! We Will End TB: National Campaign, Our Contribution.”
Dr. Bhuwan Paudel, Director of the National TB Center, said the country aims to eliminate the TB epidemic by 2035 and achieve a TB-free Nepal by 2050, urging everyone to take responsibility in their own communities.
Highlighting ongoing challenges, Dr. Paudel noted that 42% of TB patients remain untreated, with many hiding their illness, avoiding testing, or lacking access to diagnostic technology.
In the fiscal year 2081/82, 39,151 new drug-sensitive TB cases were identified, including 39% women, 61% men, and 5.6% children under 15.
The government currently provides TB treatment services at 6,241 health institutions, including 785 facilities offering microscopy and 142 centres providing rapid testing free of charge.
For drug-resistant TB, 31 treatment centres and 98 sub-centres operate nationwide.
The ‘TB-Free Nepal Campaign’ has been extended to 149 local governments, with nine AI-powered digital X-ray machines assisting diagnosis.
Globally, the World Health Organization reports 10.7 million active TB cases annually, resulting in 1.23 million deaths each year.
