2024-03-27 00:23:00
Just after World Tuberculosis Day, this pathology is still claiming victims. With nine deaths per day in Morocco, tuberculosis remains a major public health concern, affecting around 100 people daily. Despite efforts by health authorities and international organizations, infection rates are declining very slowly each year, highlighting the continuing challenges facing the country in combating the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Morocco recorded a total of 35,000 new cases or relapses of tuberculosis in 2021, with an incidence rate of 94 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. These alarming figures show a stabilization rather than a regression of the disease, despite awareness campaigns and screening programs.
Faced with this critical situation, Tayeb Hamdi, doctor and researcher in health policies and systems, issued an alarming reaction to Hespress FR where he scrutinizes the statistics: tuberculosis mainly affects men (59%), often due to poor health conditions. precarious work and socio-economic factors. The most affected age group is 25 to 34 years old, the most productive age group of the population, which has significant economic and social implications for the country.
« Drug-resistant tuberculosis also poses a major challenge for the Moroccan health system, with two thirds of cases going undiagnosed. Furthermore, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which affects organs other than the lungs, is increasing, from 28% in 1990 to 49% in 2021, far exceeding expected rates and raising questions about the quality of diagnosis and possible transmission through milk and its derivatives », adds the specialist.
Challenges and necessary measures
Faced with this worrying situation, several challenges must be addressed to improve the screening, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis. First, the expert proposes a limitation of social and economic determinants, “ It is crucial to take into account socio-economic factors such as poverty, housing conditions, nutrition, smoking, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, which contribute to the spread of the disease. Social and economic support programs must be put in place for the most vulnerable populations », suggests our speaker.
For Dr Hamdi, improving the detection rate and therapeutic coverage is also essential, “ There is a need to expand the use of rapid diagnostic tests, reduce the treatment dropout rate (currently 8%), and provide support to patients to cover transport costs and food aid. Testing and treatment centers must be accessible and available to all ».
In addition, the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and in people with HIV is part of the steps towards eradication of the disease, “ Particular attention should be paid to the detection and treatment of cases of drug-resistant TB and in people living with HIV, who are 16 times more likely to contract TB. Integrated screening and treatment programs must be developed for these at-risk populations », suggests the fervent defender of social rights. Furthermore, ensuring preventive treatment and improving management of tuberculosis among youth and children is essential.
Tuberculosis in the world: a preventive and curable disease
Globally, tuberculosis remains a major public health problem. In 2022, approximately 10.6 million people were infected with tuberculosis and 1.3 million died from it. Although the disease is preventable and curable, almost one in two families affected by tuberculosis face catastrophic costs, which represent more than 20% of the total family income.
In conclusion, tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in Morocco and throughout the world. An integrated approach, involving health authorities, non-governmental organizations, civil society and communities, is necessary to eradicate tuberculosis and improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations.
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