"Millions Of TB Patients Worldwide Are Fighting For Their Lives," - Experts On Effects Of COVID-19

KNCV Tuberculosis (TB) Foundation (KNCV) has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could cause a spike in TB deaths over the next five years.

The organisation said TB patients worldwide are failing to access medication and others are not being diagnosed for the disease due to COVID-10-induced lockdowns.

KNCV technical director, Agnes Gebhard, said an estimated 20 percent more TB patients are expected to die between now and 2025, especially in poor countries. Gebhard said:

Millions of TB patients worldwide are fighting for their lives and now have to cope with COVID-19 as well. Extra support for these vulnerable people and their families is needed.

In addition, Coronavirus has many indirect consequences for TB patients. Research from Stop TB  partnership predicts that between now and 2025, a staggering 6.3 million more people will develop TB and 1.4 million more people are expected to die, as cases during lockdown go undiagnosed and untreated.

Governments across the world are still grappling with the deadly virus that took the world by storm and focus has been shifted from earlier known diseases and conditions to the novel virus.

Measures recommended by health experts make it difficulty or impossible for some to access medication for other diseases and conditions.