Globally today, millions are taking time out to commemorate World TB Day, observed every year on this day, March 24.
Tuberculosis is a deadly and infectious bacterial disease that kills millions annually, and health organizations are using this year’s occasion to call on everyone to “Unite To End TB.”
Algerian-based, Zimbabwean junior doctor, Chipo Chatukuta, says less is known about the deadly nature of TB than HIV/AIDS.
“Very few people understand the gravity of this disease because most people know that it can be cured, it can be treated, it can be presented,” she said. “People take HIV more seriously because they know it’s a disease that cannot be cured.”
For many people afflicted with this disease life is not easy, as 53-year-old Annie Chitamba explained.
“Sometimes it’s embarrassing to have to explain to everyone,” Chitamba, who has three children, said. “It’s difficult for me, it’s just a change of life.”
We have more on this for you on our evening broadcast. Tune in at 7:30 pm on the 909 medium wave and on the 4930, 5940 and 15460 shortwave frequencies, and on our website WWW.VOAZIMBABWE.COM.
