Indonesia World's Fourth Highest in TB Burden

VIVAnews - Head of Ministry of Health Affairs Health Research and Development Agency, dr. Trihono, said Indonesia, one of world's most populous nations, has the fourth-highest tuberculosis burden in the world after India, China, and South Africa. 

Figure has it that around 430 thousand new TB cases are recorded with 169 people died every day from the disease. 

"We must admit that TB is still everywhere in the country. It's the second deadliest killer after stroke. In fact, in the eastern Indonesia, it's been number one killer," said Trihono on Monday in Bali.

Concerns are now upon Papua, Moluccas, East and West Nusa Tenggara as TB in the area is widespread.  

Recently, a significant TB coinfection has just been logged. It is common that the coinfection involves HIV/AIDS and other degenerative diseases. "The case is no different from one to another. Eastern Indonesia has been the nation's highest in coinfection," he said. 

In the handling of TB, Indonesia has managed to make less the incidence, prevalence and mortality rate of the disease. 

The government has disbursed Rp 2 trillion across the nation to deal with TB. However, the measure is challenged as TB and HIV coinfection has increased in number.