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Stop TB-Fight poverty : An Indian Perspective
TB and Poverty
Links
The global experience with TB control has been able to define certain clear-cut linkages between TB and poverty:
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TB is more prevalent among low-income groups than among high-income groups.
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The cost of TB care, if borne by families alone can be unaffordable.
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TB is a chronic ill ness and requires care over a relatively long period-during which productivity is reduced, leading to interruption of education and work.
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Household income is severely reduced, family dysfunction increases, particularly if mothers are ill and poverty increases.
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Lower productivity and more poverty impede social and economic development and increase inequalities in society.
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Lower income people are higher risk-as TB spreads in crowded places-households, school, workplace, marketplace and commuting between them.
The real stakeholders in TB control
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A. The people: - the low-income groups are the most vulnerable people with limited resources to over come poverty-related TB risks viz:
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Barriers in access to primary health acre ans appropriate diagnosis and treatment for TB
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Emerging HIV/AIDS –TB co-infection
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Lack of knowledge about the disease
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Overcrowded living and transport conditions
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Urban congestion/pollution
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Poor nutrition
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B.Society: - as represented by politicians and policymakers, with power to reduce risks.
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