The United States’ withdrawal from global health leadership is sparking concerns about the spread of tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infectious disease that claims over a million lives annually, mostly in low-resource, high-population regions.
Unlike in the US, where TB cases are rare and treatments are effective, the bacterium poses significant challenges elsewhere. The armor-like properties of TB make it resistant to antibiotics, requiring lengthy treatment regimens – 16 pills per day for six months. This can be a barrier for those with limited access to medicine.
Dr. Mireille Kamariza, a chemical biologist at UCLA, discusses the science behind TB and new tools for testing and treating it. Her research aims to develop innovative solutions to combat this deadly disease.
As global health leadership declines, experts warn of increased disease transmission and the need for effective treatments. The US’ exit from key organizations like the WHO and USAID underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing public health crises.
Source: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/tuberculosis-treatment-tools-mireille-kamariza