Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s top killer infectious disease. Based on the latest data, last year, it caused 36,122 cases, including 720 cases of drug resistant TB, which results in more serious consequences for the patient.

This year we'll do unexpected early detection activities from February 27 to March 22 by targeting 30,000 people

Seeing this data, Infectious Diseases, Transmitted Vector, and Zoonotics Section Head, Murni L Naibaho encourages people to implement healthy living habits starting from themselves by prioritizing promotive and preventive efforts.

"It must be optimized, as one patient is able to infect between 10-15 people," he expressed, Sunday (3/24).

Nevertheless, a number of efforts continue to be conducted through governor regulation No. 28/2018 on tuberculosis prevention; action plan for TB control; commitment of health facilities in TB services according to standards; and formation of a professional organization coalition in efforts to combat TB.

"This year we'll do unexpected early detection activities from February 27 to March 22 by targeting 30,000 people," he told.

It is also done through the Grebek TBC Movement which had successfully conducted TB screening and education to 46,416 people. As a result, 417 of them were infected.

So, it must be a routine agenda and sustainable. As long as the case is found quickly, we can break the core of transmission from the virus.

Earlier the Jakarta Health Agency had held an event 'It's time for TB-free Indonesia, start from me' last Saturday in a bid to commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day (HTBS), which falls on March 24.

It was filled by tuberculosis simultaneously counseling in all city's health facilities and drug-resistant RB service launch at Pasar Minggu Hospital.

There were also 24 hospitals commitment signing for drug-resistant TB service based on Health Minister Decree No. 350/2017 in its efforts to combat tuberculosis and to achieve the TB elimination target in 2030.

"This is one of the important moments as a milestone in accelerating TB elimination in Jakarta. Government commitment and community participation are the main keys to succeed it," he said.