The World Health Organization states TB as the 13th leading cause of death in the world. An infectious disease that can affect the quality of one’s life in more than one way, eradicating the disease has always been a prioritized concern for health organizations worldwide. This blog talks about the economic impact of tuberculosis, especially on the developing countries of the world, where the disease is seen to be more prevalent.
Image Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/tuberculosis-a-to-z
Is TB a disease of the impoverished alone?
While tuberculosis is more prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries, it is a disease that rightly stated as “…a relentless leveller, an equal opportunity killer, hard-working and persistent … going about its deadly business with cool disregard for IQ, sex, class, race, occupation or even geographical boundaries.” Studies indicate that the disease affects all strata of society, though prevalence was among the poorer societal sections.
Unfortunately, the link between tuberculosis and poverty is like that of a vicious cycle. Owing to the crowded and unhygienic living environments, people from impoverished localities are more likely to contract the disease. However, in many cases, the disease isn’t even properly diagnosed and hence, treated, which leads to worsening of the patient’s health and sometimes, even death. This in turn, affects the economic stability of the family.
The economic impact of TB on developing countries
Image Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953615000726
Seeking treatment at the right time
Considering the cost for treatment and care, it can only be estimated briefly as only the direct costs to the health system can be measured. Research suggests that in developing countries, only about one half of the affected population get diagnosed at the first medical source they turn to. This is because most patients prefer to seek private or traditional healing remedies before choosing to visit an authenticated government health institution. This often leads to late diagnosis and hence, higher cost in management of the disease.
Lack of information
One of the leading causes of late or missed diagnosis, improper care and high mortality in developing countries owing to TB is lack of information among the masses. A rural study in India suggested that only 15% of households knew about free TB treatment by the government. Access to the right information at the right time is essential to prevent the spread of TB.
Other non-treatment costs
Another critical factor that adds to the burden is that of non-treatment costs such as loss of work time. Lost work time or reduced productivity affects the income condition of already impoverished communities thereby worsening the impact of the disease.
Take Home Message
Management of TB is essential to curb the economic adversities caused by the disease. Apart from affecting patients individually, TB can overthrow the economic harmony of developing countries owing to factors like weaker labor force, government health budgets and more.
References:
https://stoptb.org/assets/documents/events/meetings/amsterdam_conference/ahlburg.pdf
https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr241561
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/tuberculosis-a-to-z
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953615000726