19/03/2024

Saint Lucia to observe World Tuberculosis Day

By Ministry of Health

March 24, 2024 marks the 42nd anniversary of World Tuberculosis Day since its beginning in 1982. The theme for 2024 is: Yes! We Can End TB. Tuberculosis can be eliminated as a disease of public health concern, by efforts throughout the world that improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis infection and disease.

Persons who have tuberculosis disease have TB bacteria within them that is actively reproducing in their body, causing them to be sick. For persons who have TB disease in their lungs and are not treated, coughing will spread the disease to other persons who are exposed. Persons with TB disease may also die if they do not get treatment on time. People with TB disease can all be treated and can be cured.

People who have a TB infection, usually called latent TB, do not have TB bacteria multiplying in their body. The infection is present but asleep in their body and it cannot be spread to other persons during the latent period. Not everyone who has a latent TB infection will develop TB disease. However, if you are diagnosed with a latent TB infection, medication is available to treat and cure the infection.

Globally, an estimated 10.6 million persons fell ill with TB disease and 1.28 million persons died as result of TB disease in 2022. In 2022, 2 cases of TB disease were diagnosed, in Saint Lucia, one of whom died before completing treatment. TB disease does not occur often in Saint Lucia. Based on the number of documented cases, each year, Saint Lucia is classified as a low burden incidence country by the World Health Organization.

Saint Lucia has the ability to eliminate TB. This requires all of us to play our respective roles. The tools to diagnose TB infection and TB disease and the medications to treat TB are available in Saint Lucia. Therefore, it is important for persons to get tested when advised to do so and that they take their medications when prescribed and as directed.

There should be no shame or stigma associated with being diagnosed with TB. TB is an illness that can be cured. Let us all contribute to the collective effort of ending TB in Saint Lucia.

For more information, you may contact the Infectious Diseases Unit at 468-5343 or 468-5316.