There are still about 9 million new cases, and nearly 2 million deaths, from tuberculosis in the world. It's estimated that 75 filipinos die every day from TB, and only 3/4 cases are detected, but up to 4/5 of those are cured. Many provinces are below target because people with TB still don't seek treatment (through ignorance, shame, or poverty). If they can afford "over-the-counter" drugs, and self-medicate, this can lead to multi-drug resistance. There is a National TB Control Programme, but better collaboration with the private sector is needed.

TB is a continuing problem in the UK ! While 3/4 are seen in people born abroad, it's the conditions they live in here that may allow TB to become active years afterwards. Homeless drug users, alcoholics, and people with HIV/AIDS are also at high risk. There are over 9000 cases, and 300 deaths each year. London has the highest TB rate of any major city in Western Europe and all newborns are to be vaccinated with BCG, with screening for patients registering with GPs. Other "hotspots" for TB are Birmingham, Leeds, and Leicester. There's a risk of under diagnosis because patients ( and doctors ) are not always aware that cases are once again increasing in the UK.

TB mainly affects the lungs. Typical symptoms are:
* weight loss
* persistent cough
* night sweats
With most people infected with the TB "bug", their immune system kills it. In some the immune system manages to build a barrier round the infection ("latent" TB). Latent TB can become "active" TB ( sometimes taking years ), or it may be active from the start. Treatment needs 6 months of the right antibiotics, usually resulting in cure. Drug resistance is also a problem in the UK.
BCG vaccine protects in less than 8/10, but it's now only routinely given to babies at higher than normal risk, health workers, and children ( under 16 ) arriving in the UK from countries such as the Philippines with high levels of TB. Many adults in the UK will already have had BCG.

Members need to know that TB is still around. You should all be registered with a GP ( don't wait until you're ill ). If you have "typical" symptoms, ask your GP. A chest X Ray is just one test which can help diagnose or rule it out