Today is World TB Day – the focus is on a disease SA fights on a daily basis. Universities and organisations across South Africa and the world are in a constant battle to curb the spread of the TB.
A new study has just been launched by the TB Alliance and the University of Stellenbosch that’s dedicated to finding the correct treatment for babies who are infected with drug-resistant TB, an even deadlier form of the disease.
Director of the Paediatric TB Research Program, Dr Anneke Hesseling at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, explains that: “This study is important to determine whether new guidelines and products are needed for treating the youngest and most vulnerable TB patients.”
Dr Mel Spigelman, President and CEO of TB Alliance explains: “The goal of our paediatric TB program is to ensure that proper treatments are available for the largest number of children possible,” said. “This study is critical in determining the path forward to meet the needs of infants with tuberculosis.”
Many Joining the Fight
We’re also so grateful for the care that the South African National Tuberculosis Association (SANTA) has done: they provide beds for TB patients, offer education as well as manage TB prevention schemes throughout the country.
The University of Cape Town is also linked to this study The Wellcome Trust, from the UK, is one of the main funders, but there are many more, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Senior TB researcher at UCT, Kathryn Wood, explains why there is lot of funding for TB: “The need for this is due to the BCG vaccine not being effective against the common form of TB in the lung but does protect against the more severe forms.”
The dedication of those working on these ground-breaking studies is invaluable!
If you’d like to join the battle against TB, there are many opportunities for you. You can donate much-needed funds to SANTA. You can even apply to work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!
You can make a difference and help save countless lives! Join the fight, now!