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"Tuberculosis, or TB, is a severe infectious disease that can devastate vulnerable populations, such as children and people with HIV" explains Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
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Children are particularly vulnerable to TB and can develop both pulmonary TB (infection in the lungs) and extrapulmonary TB (infection in other body parts).
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They are especially at risk, as their immune systems are not fully developed. TB can cause growth and developmental delays, leading to severe illness or death if not treated promptly.
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People living with HIV are much more likely to develop TB, as the virus weakens their immune systems. In addition, TB is a leading cause of death among people living with HIV.
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They are at greater risk of developing more severe forms of TB, such as MDR-TB and XDR-TB. Treating TB in people with HIV can also be more challenging, as they may have other underlying health conditions that make treatment more complex.
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TB disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as refugees, migrants, and people living in poverty or overcrowded conditions.
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These populations may have limited healthcare access, making diagnosing and treating TB more challenging. They may also face stigma and discrimination related to TB, making accessing care and support harder.
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Addressing the impact of TB on vulnerable populations requires a targeted approach that considers the specific needs and challenges these groups face. This can involve improving access to healthcare and developing more effective TB treatments that are safe for children.
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People are living with HIV and addressing social and economic factors contributing to TB's spread in vulnerable populations. In addition, it is essential to ensure that efforts to combat TB are inclusive and prioritised.
