Tuberculosis experts are emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive post-TB and lung disease rehabilitation program to alleviate the disease burden.
Mudashiru Bbuye, a research fellow at Makerere University Lung Institute, highlighted that over 30 percent of post-TB patients develop illnesses related to lung impairment and cardiovascular diseases, among other issues.
Without proper intervention, the morbidity rate among those cured of TB ranges from 30-45 percent, with a mortality risk 15 times higher than the general population in the following two years.
Bbuye explained that the risk is particularly pronounced in rural areas due to factors like exposure to cooking biomass smoke and indoor air pollution. Additionally, men tend to delay seeking treatment, putting them at a higher risk of developing post-TB complications.
During a summit, Martha Nakaye, another researcher, stressed the necessity of more effective triage tests for improved Tuberculosis case detection.
She noted that combining LAM (lipoarabinomannan) antibody testing with urine LAM detection has shown increased sensitivity among people living with HIV, though its effectiveness in the general population, including those without HIV, requires further evaluation.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health, with support from the Global Fund, is preparing to implement a post-TB and lung disease care program for patients in the country.
This rehabilitation package includes treating symptoms such as persistent cough, which could be mistaken for TB, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to managing post-TB health issues.