Every 4 Minutes, One Life Lost to Tuberculosis
The government has affirmed the acceleration of tuberculosis (TB) elimination as a national emergency, following the high rates of transmission and mortality from the disease. Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin P Octavianus revealed that two people are infected with TB every minute and one person dies every four minutes in Indonesia.
“Tuberculosis remains a major challenge. This is not just a health issue, but also related to social, economic, nutritional, and environmental factors,” said Benjamin on Tuesday (7/4).
Indonesia records more than 1 million TB cases every year, making it one of the countries with the highest TB burden in the world.
In response, the government is pushing for rapid measures through massive early detection, including the Free Health Check Programme targeting 130 million people by 2026. In addition, other strengthened strategies include contact tracing, provision of TB preventive therapy, and enhancement of the role of the community and health cadres.
“There is no time to delay. Every case found and treated is a step to save lives,” said Benny, his familiar nickname.
Global support is also being strengthened continuously. The WHO Indonesia representative, dr. Setiawan Jati Laksono, stated that Indonesia contributes around 10% of the world’s total TB cases. Data shows that in 2024, there were approximately 118,000 TB deaths in people without HIV and 8,100 deaths in people with HIV in Indonesia.
“TB remains a global threat. There has been progress, but it is not fast enough. Political commitment and national funding are very determining,” he said.
WHO also highlighted major challenges, such as undiagnosed cases, drug-resistant TB, and risk factors like malnutrition, diabetes, and smoking habits. Nevertheless, hope remains through innovation, with more than 100 diagnostic tools, 29 TB drugs, and 18 vaccine candidates under development.
“This is the time to act now,” he concluded.
A lung specialist at RSPI Sulianti Saroso reminds TB patients to consistently take their medication to kill dormant germs and prevent dangerous drug resistance.
The Director of Postgraduate Studies at Universitas YARSI, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, assesses that the utilisation of village funds for TB control remains relevant and on target.
In addition to nausea and fatigue, other mild symptoms often complained about include headaches, flu-like sensations, joint pain, and a body temperature that feels warmer.
Social media was once abuzz with a statement from an influencer claiming that tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented and treated with herbal medicines.
Kidney TB is one form of extrapulmonary TB. This condition occurs due to infection by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis in kidney tissue.
The Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) reminds that tuberculosis (TB) remains a deadly epidemic in Indonesia, despite various control programmes already in place.