In conjunction with World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024 that is celebrated worldwide every year on the 24th of March, the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) Selangor stands together with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the global community to spread awareness and fight this ancient long disease that remains the No.1 killer among the infectious diseases in the world.
TB remains a great concern and a public health threat in Malaysia. According to reports from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the total number of reported TB cases in 2023 amounted to 26,781, marking a 5.5 per cent increase compared to the 25,391 cases reported in 2022.
The fight against TB requires multi-agency collaboration, dedication and effective screening for early detection and treatment.
MAPTB Selangor has over the years organised and collaborated with various government and non-governmental agencies to provide financial and transportation assistance to TB patients and supported on going activities implemented by the TB/Leprosy Unit of the Selangor State Health Department.
MAPTB Selangor, comprising health care professionals, community leaders and volunteers, are engaged in district, state, and national TB Control initiatives, maintains steadfast dedication to providing essential support to vulnerable TB patients.
Our aim is to prevent TB patients from defaulting their treatment by ensuring that individuals in need receive the necessary assistance to successfully complete their TB treatment.
Van Mesra is one of several projects by MAPTB Selangor with funding assistance from the Selangor State Government, coordinated by the state health exco.
Patients with transportation issues referred by the health clinics will be provided with transport to attend appointments at their treatment centre at no cost. This project has shown to be fruitful and benefited many patients hence improving the TB treatment success rate.
Malaysia aims to be “TB Free” by the year 2035 in accordance to the global plan by the World Health Organization (WHO).
MAPTB Selangor supports the strategies implemented in the National Tuberculosis Program and will continue to strive to increase awareness about TB, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking early diagnosis and treatment within communities. Continuous promotional activities and education to the community is key to preventing spread of infection in the community.
As we commemorate World TB Day 2024 with the theme “Yes! We Can End TB”, we reaffirm our commitment to work together towards a TB-free world. Together, we can achieve our shared goal of ending TB and ensuring healthier, more resilient communities for all.
This letter was written by the Executive Committee of MAPTB Selangor.
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