TUBERCULOSIS POLICY INTERVENTIONS

How effective are Tuberculosis policy interventions in the London Borough of Newham

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction1

Rationale2

Aim of the Study4

Objectives of the Study4

Research Question4

Methodology4

Data Analysis Method5

Inclusion5

Exclusion6

Project Plan6

References7

How effective are Tuberculosis policy interventions in the London Borough of Newham

Introduction

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that can be easily spread through droplet from coughing and sneezing. It is being classified as the second to HIV/AIDS as one of the greatest killer worldwide because of a standalone infectious agent (WHO, 2012). The number of people fell with Tuberculosis in 2011, was 8.7 million and the amount of death caused by Tuberculosis estimated at 1.4 million worldwide (WHO, 2012). Tuberculosis is amongst the list of the global burden of disease, and it is the main killer of people living with HIV, causing one quarter of all death in relation to HIV (WHO, 2012).

In addition to that, in the UK there has been high incidences of TB in major cities, of which London is being classified as the TB capital of Europe (Adams, 2010).The HPA report illustrates that, 'there are around 9,000 cases of Tuberculosis in the UK, with London having the highest rate' (Health Protection Agency, 2012). TB has become a major concern for the citizen of London and the media is constantly pointing out at the severity of the disease within the city.

The media has been able to put forward alarming reports with solid evidences that show that the rate of TB incidences has risen up. These media reports are supported with additional misrepresentations and myths about the spreading of the disease, which has created more hype (Ustianowski et al. 2005). In reality, the major cause for the prevailing of TB is poverty and deprivation that is visible in the city for a period of greater than two centuries. With Newham stated as the fourth most socially deprived borough in the city of London, the disease should definitely be increasing.

There is a law enforcement department under the name of the London Assembly that has the responsibility of investigating any kind of concerns within London. The London Assembly took the first action on a wide spread level against the issue of TB prevalence in the region (Story et al. 2004). The purpose of the London Assembly was to provide pertinent issues, data and facts in the public domain so that the disease should not only be treated but to provide preventive measures as well.

Fortunately, with the development in medical treatment and the easy availability of medical services has made it possible to cure the humiliating disease. Currently, in the region of Newham, the treatment process is simple that consists of a 6 month course on the basis of a number of antibiotics. This makes the treatment affordable. However, when the patients become resistant to these provided therapies, then they require purchasing expensive antibiotics, thus creating difficult circumstances for poor patients.

According to Velji et al. (2009), the prevention from the tuberculosis is particularly the major problem in comparison to the ...