Shame of TB 'must be stopped'
2005-03-24 09:22
Johannesburg - Tuberculosis, because of its association with HIV, is being stigmatised, and this prevents people from seeking treatment for a curable disease, the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane, said on Wednesday.
"There is growing concern about the stigmatisation of TB because of its association with HIV. It is important that this is stopped," he said in a statement to mark World TB Day on Thursday.
People infected with HIV were 50 times more likely to develop TB than those who were not. Also, up to 50% of people living with HIV develop TB, Ndungane said.
He said people had lately become afraid to seek treatment, "for fear that they may become stigmatised as HIV+."
"This is unacceptable. TB can be cured. HIV can be managed. Both are diseases like any other.
"God does not send diseases to punish us - those who are sick are no better or worse than anyone else... No one today need die of TB."
Ndungane challenged governments and donors to make TB a priority.
Tuberculosis is easy and cheep to cure, but it must be identified promptly and treated comprehensively.
- SAPA