THE much-publicised ‘breakthrough’ for tuberculosis (TB), hailed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as capable of bringing the global epidemic under control, has been criticised by top TB researchers. Experts are anxious that the WHO’s statements will fuel a dangerous complacency that could increase the death toll of TB patients.
.jpg "False hopes: is there a better cure for TB patients?")
Recently, a week before the World TB Day on March 24, the WHO announced that TB can be treated with a combination of drugs administered for six months under close supervision, a treatment known as directly-observed therapy short-course. The WHO claimed that the therapy could reduce the death toll by 10 million over the next decade. But most TB experts have dismissed view as exaggerated.
“This is hyperbole,” says Paul Fine, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Douglas Young a leading researcher in TB molecular biology, who advises the WHO’s global TB programme, has resigned in protest. WHO officials argued that their statements did not imply that the epidemic has been brought under control.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.