President’s Message for World TB Day

[March 24, 2005 - 11.00 GMT]

Tuberculosis once considered a terminal disease is no longer so; thanks to modern medical science it is now preventable and curable. The social stigma associated with this illness has also receded because of greater awareness.

This disease, which is most prevalent in developing countries, is gradually being eradicated from our societies. Sri Lanka’s Medical Authorities must be commended for their untiring efforts over the years to contain the spread of TB and to educate the public about the importance of seeking early treatment.

March 24 is World TB Day.This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the tuberculosis (TB) bacillus. It is a good time to review all the good work done by our Health Department. At present, TB patients in Sri Lanka receive free treatment and regular follow up care. Patients in lower income groups are provided with financial assistance by the Social Services Department. Because of these control measures, there has been a remarkable drop in detected TB cases each year.

In Sri Lanka we follow a DOTS system of curing patients. DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse. It ensures every patient who starts the treatment continues with it, thus reducing the risk of the ailment developing into Multidrug Resistant TB (MDR.TB), which is fatal. A responsible health worker monitors each patient and ensures that he or she takes the medicines as prescribed, everyday for six months.

World TB Day is not a celebration. We have no cause to applaud yet. In spite of our scientific breakthroughs TB has been the greatest killer of humans throughout history and sadly it still is prevalent. However we Sri Lankans have every reason to be proud of our state Health Sector professionals. Their commitment to the Tuberculosis programme has been laudable and I wish them all success.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

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Last Updated Date: March 24, 2005 - 11.00 GMT