Not Only Covid-19, Be Aware of Tuberculosis Threats During the Pandemic This Way

Kapanlagi.com - The community is still struggling against the Covid-19 virus. To reduce the number of positive victims, the public is advised to stay at home until conditions improve.

Many people are afraid of getting infected and try to maintain their health. One of them is by taking vitamins, eating nutritious food, and exercising regularly.

However, there are also diseases whose threats are rarely known by people. Tuberculosis (TB) can also be a threat during this pandemic.

TB is a lung disease that is equally dangerous as the Covid-19 virus. Here are some ways to avoid it.

1. The Second Highest Risk of Death in the World

Indonesia is now at risk of having the highest risk of death in the world. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2020, Indonesia ranks second as the country with the highest number of TB (Tuberculosis) and DR-TB (Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis) cases in the world, after India.

Every year, an estimated 845,000 people suffer from illness caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Out of this number, only 568,987 cases were recorded by the Ministry of Health in 2019.

Meanwhile, data from the Tuberculosis Sub-Directorate of the Ministry of Health in 2020 shows that the death rate caused by TB and DR-TB amounted to 13,656 deaths in 2019.

With such high numbers, it is not surprising that efforts to provide education related to TB must continue amidst the pandemic. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a new challenge in the efforts to prevent the elimination of TB & DR-TB in Indonesia.

2. Early Detection of Symptoms

One way to prevent TB and DR-TB is to detect the symptoms early. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve the lifestyle of oneself and the family.

This can be done through simple steps such as regular exercise, adequate rest, and consuming a balanced diet. Not only will it help prevent various diseases, but it will also strengthen the immune system, making it able to fend off various diseases.

Now, the Government through the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, continues the TB & DR-TB socialization campaign called Ayo TOSS TBC (Discover Tuberculosis, Treat Until Cured TB), where one of the activities is the TOSS TBC Virtual Run & Ride 2021.

3. Join TOSS TBC Virtual Run & Ride 2021

TOSS TBC Virtual Run & Ride 2021 is a virtual running and cycling event that can be participated by the entire Indonesian community. Participants can register online and participate in virtual running and cycling activities from their respective locations using GPS-based sports applications.

This event, which takes place from August 17th to August 31st, invites the community to take real action in supporting the prevention and control of TB and DR-TB in Indonesia. In the current pandemic situation, sports activities can still be carried out through safe activities, following health protocols, and without involving mass gatherings.

By participating in this event, you are encouraging the community to adopt a clean and healthy lifestyle by regularly exercising and implementing the 3M (wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands with soap and running water) to reduce the risk of TB.

Let's start by taking care of our own health. Let's save Indonesia from Tuberculosis to achieve a TB-Free Indonesia by 2030. You can find the complete registration terms and mechanisms here.

(kpl/lmp)