#EndTB Webinar to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021

To mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting a special webinar: Preventing and addressing TB-related disabilities and improving quality of life.

TB remains one of the top infectious killers in the world, it affects those most vulnerable in any society. The challenges faced by people affected by TB include the consequences of disability associated with the disease, its treatment as well as stigma and discrimination. The United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to mobilize support for the dignity, human rights and well-being of persons affected by disabilities. The WHO Global TB Programme is bringing together the voices of TB-affected communities, researchers, policymakers, and program implementers, to raise awareness and take action to prevent TB-related disabilities, but also to promote care for those with a TB-associated disability.

This webinar aims to:

· To raise awareness about, and improve understanding of the impact of disability on the quality of life of people with TB, as a result of the disease and its treatment

· To present and discuss the most recent evidence on the global prevalence of TB-related disability

· To present the vision and policy of WHO to address disability, and the perspectives of affected communities and national TB programmes.

BACKGROUND

There is evidence indicating that TB mortality risk does not disappear after TB treatment completion. Mortality for all causes is three to four times greater among TB survivors than in the general population. The illness and the stigma attached to TB, the disease and its treatment, and the TB syndemics (e.g. HIV, diabetes) and associated co-morbidities (e.g. mental health disorders, malnourishment) are all likely to be the major contributors to disability post-TB treatment. A recent systematic review published in 2021 estimated that about one in four TB survivors globally carries on his or her life with at least one form of disability, including respiratory and mental health ailments.