Top picture: from left to right: Jyoti (project staff), Pooja, daughter Bhumi, Manisha, Shobha (project staff), Rekha, Bubbly.

 

Visit of the Medicines Patent Pool to India

India has made progress in combating TB, but challenges persist. As of 2022, the TB incidence rate stands at 199 cases per 100,000 population, showing an 19.7% decline since 2015[1]. This improvement surpasses the global average reduction of 11%[2]. However, India still bears a significant burden, accounting for 27% of global TB cases[3]. Accessible treatment centers play a crucial role, but shortages of essential drugs remain a concern[4].

At MPP, we thrive to make available adapted and affordable TB treatments in low-and middle-income countries. In 2023, TB was the world’s second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, after COVID-19, and caused almost twice as many deaths as HIV and AIDS. More than 10 million people continue to fall ill with TB every year.[5]

At MPP, we contribute to the development of new regimens by licensing TB drugs that are still under development. We continue to work on improved access to new treatments for multi-drug-resistant TB and drug-susceptible tuberculosis. See our latest  prioritisation report.

 

Testimonials of women on TB treatment

For World TB Day 2024, we traveled to the TB clinic in Mukundpur, just outside New Delhi, India, to hear from women who are currently on TB treatment.

I am Rekha, a mother facing an unexpected challenge: tuberculosis. When my son’s cough persisted, we visited the hospital. The diagnosis was grim — TB. The treatment began, but side effects left him weak.

Our home was isolated, but a nearby accessible center provided hope. Three pills a day—a fixed dose combination—is the promise of healing. I dream of a world free from TB, where no one else would suffer as I have. Today, I fight—for my children, for myself, and for a future without this invasive intruder.

My name is Bubbly, and my journey began with a pain in my leg. Soon, fever followed, and then the unthinkable: I started coughing blood. The tests confirmed my worst fears— tuberculosis.

Those initial days were brutal. I felt sick, weak, and bedridden. Thankfully, my sister stepped in to care for my two baby girls. My husband stood by me, unwavering. And the TB Alert center, conveniently close to our home, eased our burden. I take my pills — once a week, swallowed in front of the provider, and the rest at home.

Three months passed — a rollercoaster of sickness and resilience. But now, I stand here — healthy, grateful, and determined. The battle isn’t over, three more months to go, but I fight — for my children, for myself, and for a world where TB is but a memory.

My name is Manisha, I am 19 years old. My journey began with a battle against typhoid, after I completed the entire course of treatment, my illness persisted. I went back to the clinic where a new revelation awaited me: tuberculosis. But not just any TB — drug-resistant TB. Fear gripped me; this was uncharted territory. The treatment regimen was daunting — two years of therapy.

Six pills a day has become my lifeline. I have now been on treatment for seven months, I follow the routine diligently. But then, a cruel twist — the center ran out of two crucial drugs for a while, but the good news, I now have my full treatment. It worried me that these shortages might not rid me of TB.

My name is Pooja, and my daughter Bhumi’s health journey took an unexpected turn. It began with Bhumi complaining of pain near her ear. Concerned, I rushed her to our local doctor, who promptly referred us to another hospital for further investigation.

The diagnosis was startling—tuberculosis. But I refused to be scared. People get sick, and TB has a cure. Bhumi’s treatment began under paediatric drug-susceptible TB protocols.

What eased our burden is the TB Alert center right in our community. No long travels, no added stress. Just healing within reach. Yet, Bhumi faced her own battle — the pills. As her mother, I devised a strategy: toffees – I slip her medication into them, ensuring she takes every dose and that keeps the vomiting at bay.

 

TB Alert clinic, New Delhi, India

 

Khasim Sayyad runs the TB Alert clinic on the outskirts of New Delhi, India

Annually, our Mukundpur Center records approximately 320 to 350 new cases of tuberculosis. Despite our dedicated efforts, we encounter programmatic obstacles, including shortages of essential drugs and consumables such as tubes, testing kits, diagnostic cartridges, chips, and reagents. These shortages occasionally lead to delays in accurate TB diagnosis and hinder the process of treatment adjustment. Furthermore, financial constraints—such as inadequate budgets and irregular funding—limit our ability to conduct awareness initiatives at the grassroots level and engage communities effectively in TB care and control.

My message on World TB Day 2024, let’s remember those who have lost their lives to tuberculosis and support those who are fighting the disease. We need to continue working hard to end TB, and we can do this by investing more in TB prevention and treatment. Every effort we make to stop TB brings us one step closer to a healthier future for everyone. Let’s persevere with determination and care. World TB Day reminds us that we all have a role to play in fighting TB. We can help by spreading awareness, supporting our communities, and striving for a world without TB.

Together, we can achieve this goal, yes we can end TB.

 

[1] https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/tb_profiles/?_inputs_&lan=%22EN%22
[2] https://www.tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=5613&lid=3658
[3] WHO Global TB report 2023 https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2023
[4] INDIA TB REPORT 2022 https://www.tbcindia.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=5613&lid=3658
[5] WHO Tuberculosis Report 2023 https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2023