The deadly intersection: TB and tobacco smoking co-epidemics in Indonesia
Dr TARA SINGH BAM - CNS
In the lead up to World No Tobacco Day later this month, it is high time we recognise and effectively address the deadly synergy between the two epidemics that fuel each other: tobacco use and tuberculosis (TB). Tobacco is the single-largest preventable cause of death worldwide and TB continues to be the deadliest of infectious diseases in high burden countries (even despite the COVID-19 pandemic).
Indonesia has the 2nd highest TB burden worldwide
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2023, Indonesia has the 2nd highest TB burden globally (with India being home to the largest TB burden worldwide). In 2022, approximately 1,060,000 individuals in Indonesia fell ill with TB, with an estimated 303,000 incident cases of TB attributed to tobacco smoking. Indonesia's battle against TB is marked by staggering statistics. Alarmingly, TB remains a leading cause of death in the country, claiming nearly 141,000 lives every year. The burden is disproportionately borne by the most vulnerable segments of society, including those living in poverty and marginalised communities.
Indonesia remains the global epicentre of tobacco consumption
Adding fuel to the fire is Indonesia's pervasive smoking culture, which exacerbates the TB crisis. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, the prevalence of tobacco use among Indonesia's adult population was 34.5% in 2021. The estimated 70 million Indonesian who smoked tobacco in 2021 is an increase from 60 million in 2011. Approximately 67% of adult males in the country are identified as smokers. Moreover, some Indonesian studies have revealed a 96.7% smoking prevalence in males with TB. Indonesia holds the dubious distinction of being a global epicentre for tobacco consumption. This addiction not only exacts a heavy toll on individual health but also contributes to the country's overall disease burden, including TB.
The deadly synergy: TB and tobacco smoking
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