Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable infectious disease. However, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare services, such as Latin America and the Caribbean.
Global Incidence vs. Latin America and the Caribbean
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10.6 million new tuberculosis cases were reported worldwide in 2023, with an incidence of 133 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The disease caused around 1.25 million deaths, making it the most lethal infectious disease, surpassing HIV/AIDS. (WHO, 2023)
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the incidence is significantly lower than the global average, with 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, some countries have higher rates, such as Haiti (168 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), Peru (116), Bolivia (108), and Guyana (91), highlighting significant inequalities in the disease’s distribution within the region. (PAHO, 2024)
The Challenge of TB Eradication Financing
Despite global efforts to reduce the burden of tuberculosis, funding for its prevention and treatment remains insufficient. At least $22 billion per year is needed to implement effective TB strategies worldwide. However, current resources fall far short of this goal, hindering the expansion of diagnostic, treatment, and prevention services in low- and middle-income countries, where more than 80% of TB cases and deaths occur.
Additionally, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis. In 2023, only two out of five people with drug-resistant tuberculosis received treatment, increasing the risk of spreading more difficult-to-treat strains. This situation underscores the urgency of increasing investment in research, access to new medications, and innovative disease control strategies.
The Importance of Early Detection
One of the main challenges in the fight against tuberculosis is late diagnosis. Many people may be infected for months before receiving a diagnosis, increasing the risk of transmission and complicating treatment.
According to the WHO, nearly 40% of TB cases in Latin America go undiagnosed or are detected too late. This is due to factors such as lack of access to healthcare centers, misinformation, and confusion of symptoms with other respiratory illnesses.
Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment initiation, preventing complications and significantly reducing disease transmission. In many countries, rapid detection tests such as GeneXpert have been implemented, diagnosing tuberculosis in less than two hours and determining whether the bacteria is resistant to specific antibiotics. However, access to these tests remains uneven across the region.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, but it can also compromise other organs such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Early detection depends on recognizing its most common symptoms.
Main Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
- Persistent cough for more than two weeks, with or without blood
- Constant fever without an apparent cause
- Excessive night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
Symptoms of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (when it affects other organs)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint or back pain (if affecting the spine)
- Kidney or liver problems
- Confusion or persistent headaches in severe cases
Tuberculosis can easily be mistaken for common respiratory infections or illnesses such as the flu, delaying its diagnosis. If someone has a persistent cough for more than two weeks along with other symptoms, they should visit a healthcare center for screening.
Tuberculosis remains a high-burden disease in Latin America and the Caribbean, although its incidence is lower than the global average. Early detection is key to reducing transmission and improving treatment outcomes.
Access to rapid diagnostic tests and awareness of symptoms can make a difference in fighting the disease. While tuberculosis is curable, its eradication will depend on strengthening healthcare systems, increasing global funding, and improving access to effective treatments.
If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention can save lives.
