Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Two billion people in the world have contracted TB, almost 15 million cases have been confirmed, 9 million new cases and 2 million deaths caused by TB were reported in 2004. In Europe in 2004 some 69,000 people died of TB and 450,000 new cases, 50 ever hour. In East Europe the number of cases doubled in 15 years increasing to the present day 110,000 cases . In Italy between 1995 and 2002 no less than 4,215 people died of TB; every year there are 7 new cases for every 100,000 people (2004). Between 1995-2004 cases were registered mainly in people over 65, ( 10 and 17 cases every 10,000; 15 to 24 years infection on the rise, but remains stable among children 0 to 14. TB is having a devastating effect in Africa, with 350 cases every 100,000 about double the number in south east Asia and in Africa about 1.5 million people die of TB every years and the number is rising with the spread of HIV/AIDS.
This emerged from a meeting on TB in Europe held in Rome organised by WHO Europe and Red Cross Italy in collaboration with AMREF Italy and the Italian ministry of health.
TB is curable but it is the main cause of death among HIV+ persons. According to WHO if left unchecked TB will kill 35 million people in the next 20 years. In its global plan 2006-2015 to fight TB WHO hopes to treat 50 million patients, save 14 million lives and produce new treatment by 2010 and a new vaccine by 2015.
The return of TB will be the focus of a WHO forum in Copenhagen 16-17 October. (AP) (9/6/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:33; Parole:423)
