New data suggests that the spread of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is much greater than previously estimated. As part of World TB day patients speak about living with MDR-TB.

Patients suffering from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have been blogging their experiences of the disease and treatment for more than a year.

As part of World TB Day, they recorded a special series of video blogs, aiming to give people an insight into the effects of the disease and the highly toxic treatments available to treat it.

Phumeza on living in a TB patient facility

MDR-TB on the rise

New data gathered by MSF medical teams suggests that the spread of MDR-TB is much greater than previously estimated.

MSF’s President, Dr. Unni Karunakara, says, “Wherever we look for drug resistant TB we are finding it in alarming numbers, suggesting current statistics may only be scratching the surface of the problem.

“With 95 percent of TB patients worldwide lacking access to proper diagnosis, efforts to scale-up detection of MDR-TB are being severely undermined by a retreat in donor funding – precisely when increased funding is needed most.”

Better understanding

MSF has also produced a series of graphics for World TB Day to promote a better understanding of TB and MDR-TB.

These infographics cover the history of TB, the effects of the disease, the treatment and associated side effects and the scale of the disease.

Essential funding needed

Phumeza, one of our TB bloggers, in a TB treatment facility near Cape Town

Phumeza, one of our TB bloggers, in a TB treatment facility near Cape Town
© Samantha Reinders

MSF is calling for governments, international donors, and drug companies to fight the spread of drug-resistant TB with new efforts to make available effective and affordable diagnostic tools and drugs, and the necessary funding to tackle the crisis.

As Dr. Karunakara says, “Only then, will more people be tested, treated and cured. The world can no longer sit back and ignore the threat of MDR-TB. We must act now.”

Spread the word on World TB Day

Please help MSF spread the word about the challenges facing TB and MDR-TB sufferers by sharing our graphics and video blogs.

If you would like to send a question or a message of support to any of the TB&ME bloggers, you can do so in the comments box below their posts at TB&ME

MSF and World TB day