What should be known for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis?
From May 16 to 18, this year, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population of Tajikistan organized a regional seminar at the initiative of USAID Tuberculosis Eradication Project in Central Asia and Center for Health Policy and Research.
The event aimed to increase awareness about tuberculosis-related issues. The seminar was attended by representatives from national and local NGOs, people living with tuberculosis, as well as journalists and bloggers from Central Asian countries.
For three days, participants of the event actively discussed the role of parliamentarians, civil society, and the media in ensuring accountability for achieving regional and global goals ahead of the High-Level UN General Assembly on Tuberculosis, scheduled for September 2023.
Deputy of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, Jamshed Murtazozoda, noted: – The work of the summit was very productive.
After its completion, we will sign a declaration among non-governmental organizations on Monday. Interesting opinions were shared at the event, and these efforts are aimed at achieving results that will be presented to the UN this September. This is significant, as the world community has committed to eliminating tuberculosis worldwide by 2030.
How does Tolibjon help tuberculosis patients?
In 2014, I was a migrant worker in the Russian Federation. At that time, I didn’t know much about tuberculosis. I only knew the name of the disease and hoped to get rid of it. But my health was getting worse, and I had to go back to my home country. When I started boxing, my friends noticed that I was weak. One friend, who knew about tuberculosis, suggested that I get tested. After the test, it turned out that I did have the disease. The doctor explained to me that tuberculosis was a curable illness. For two months, I went to the doctor every day and took medication. It was hard for me to take the medication every hour, and I sometimes even forgot my own name. But thanks to the medication, my condition improved. Two months later, the doctor thought I was doing well, and allowed me to take my medicine on my own for a week. As a result, I fully recovered in six months,” says Tolibjon Karimov. Our interviewee noted that after his recovery, he set a goal to help other patients so they could also achieve healing.
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a serious disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have HIV or are taking certain medications, are more likely to get tuberculosis. People who eat poorly, lead sedentary lifestyles, have chronic illnesses, live in poverty, or experience depression are also at risk. Tuberculosis can be dangerous not only to the person with the disease, but also to their loved ones, especially if they have an acute form of tuberculosis. Prisoners, women who don’t wait the recommended time between pregnancies, people with HIV, alcoholics, drug addicts, migrant workers, unemployed people, homeless people, children under the age of 6, people with diabetes, gastrointestinal ulcers, or cancer, and people living or working in areas with high tuberculosis rates are all at risk of getting the disease. If you think you have tuberculosis, it’s important to see a doctor.
The doctor will ask you to cough up sputum (phlegm) three times to test for the disease.. Sputum should be collected for the first time during the initial visit to a healthcare facility. The following morning, after thoroughly washing your hands and face, a second sample should be collected. For the third and final time, patients provide sputum samples in the hospital after receiving the results from the second sample. In a laboratory, sputum is examined under a microscope to determine if a tubercle bacillus, which indicates tuberculosis, is present.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and treatment are provided free of charge. To completely cure tuberculosis, patients must take medications regularly as prescribed by their doctor. Even if a patient’s symptoms improve, this does not mean they are completely cured. During treatment, it is important for patients to not only take medications but also to follow a healthy diet. The diet for tuberculosis patients should include plenty of protein, which can be found in milk, meat, eggs, and fish. Eating these foods can help promote recovery.
Шарофат АБДУЛВОҲИДОВА,
“Садои мардум”
