Efforts to Accelerate Tuberculosis Case Discovery in Tangerang City, Banten, Indonesia

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

X-ray results of one of the residents in the Active Case Finding TB activity at the Larangan District office, Tangerang City, Banten, Thursday (5/1/2023). This screening activity is an effort to accelerate the discovery of TB cases in the community early considering that TB is an infectious disease.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Tuberculosis is still a serious health threat in Indonesia. At least 16 people die every hour from tuberculosis. New cases of tuberculosis also increased to more than 1 million cases in one year.

Everyone’s awareness of dealing with tuberculosis comprehensively is very necessary, from prevention to treatment. Multisectoral collaboration is absolutely necessary so that the target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2030 can be achieved.

“The cure for (tuberculosis) already exists. The germ is known. The medicines are also effective. Diagnostic tools exist, from simple to sophisticated. The DOTS method (short-term drug therapy) is also well known. But why do TB (tuberculosis) cases continue to increase?” said Erlina Burhan.

Erlina Burhan stated this in a scientific speech regarding her inauguration as Permanent Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, in Jakarta, Saturday (17/2/2024). Erlina was confirmed as the 8th professor at the University of Indonesia in 2024.

Also read: Indonesia is in second place with the highest number of tuberculosis cases in the world

He said that the unresolved tuberculosis case in Indonesia was a tragedy that had to be overcome together. Tuberculosis is a complex societal burden.

The cure for (tuberculosis) already exists. The germ is known. The medicines are also merciful. Diagnostic tools exist, from simple to sophisticated. The DOTS method (short-term drug therapy) is also well known. But why do TB (tuberculosis) cases continue to increase?

A person contracting tuberculosis not only has medical or health impacts, but also economic and social impacts. This is exacerbated by stigma, discrimination, and the risk of losing a job or dropping out of school.

FKUI

FKUI Professor Erlina Burhan

Therefore, according to Erlina, the problem of tuberculosis must be resolved immediately. The world and Indonesia have targeted the elimination of TB by 2030. In that year, the target is to reduce the tuberculosis death rate by 90 percent. Every TB patient and their family must also be free from the burden of costs due to tuberculosis.

In addition, the incidence rate or new cases of tuberculosis must be reduced to 80 percent. If in 2030 it is projected that Indonesia’s population will reach 300 million people, the number of new cases of tuberculosis is targeted at only around 300 people. Currently, the number of new cases of tuberculosis in Indonesia has reached 1,060,000 people.

“If the (intervention) is business as usual, which is just like that, the decline is only 1.5 percent per year. So, it is unlikely that it will lead to the elimination of TB. “We have to change and we have to carry out transformation in all fields,” he said.

Also read: Reducing the “Feeling of Shortness” in Tuberculosis Patients

Erlina said that efforts that must be made include, among other things, optimizing all available diagnostic instruments, strengthening treatment, preventing transmission, and utilizing all technological advances and innovations related to tuberculosis.

One of the innovations being developed is a new tuberculosis vaccine. The BCG vaccine that has been given so far is considered to be ineffective. Developments have also now been carried out to find tuberculosis treatment therapies with a shorter duration.

Collaboration

Erlina believes that another important effort to achieve the elimination of tuberculosis by 2030 is harmonization across sectors. Various approaches to controlling tuberculosis are actually available, both at the individual and population levels. However, this approach is considered to be still sporadic. The various parties involved have not synergized well.

“We must move together according to our respective roles, complementing and strengthening each other to create joint work in the form of orchestration. So, collaboration is needed, starting from the president and ministries, not just the health ministry. “Only 30 percent of tuberculosis is medical related, the rest are non-medical problems,” he said.

Erlina said that Indonesia’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis must be in line with global programs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for eliminating tuberculosis through the End TB Strategy program.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

A medical officer marks the arm of a resident undergoing a Mantoux test during the Active Case Finding TB activity at the Larangan District office, Tangerang City, Banten, Thursday (5/1/2023). This TB screening activity targets 200 residents in the area.

There are at least three main pillars that need to be considered, namely integrated and patient-centered tuberculosis services and prevention, the importance of policy and political commitment in the health sector to eliminate tuberculosis, and the importance of research and innovation to face challenges related to tuberculosis.

Apart from multi-sector collaboration within the country, collaboration in treating tuberculosis needs to be carried out internationally. International collaboration can strengthen research and development capacity, and increase access to effective medicines.

Also read: Still the highest in the world, the government continues to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis

Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated in an official statement that Indonesia was committed to eradicating tuberculosis at the global level. Indonesia has been involved in the Alliance of Countries to Combat Tuberculosis initiative with Nigeria, the Philippines and Poland.

“I believe that by uniting forces, we can win the fight against tuberculosis,” he said.

2024-02-18 14:21:33
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