-fhd.jpg)
(Bandar Seri Begawan, 24th) Brunei’s Minister of Health, Dato Ehsan, issued a statement in conjunction with World Tuberculosis Day stating that tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, but the number of cases in Brunei has decreased over the past year, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to combat this infectious disease.
He revealed that in the latest tuberculosis statistics, Brunei recorded 235 cases of TB in 2024, a decrease of 9.62% from 260 cases in 2023. In comparison, 224 cases were detected in 2022, increasing by 16.07% the following year.
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also infect other organs, including the brain (tuberculous meningitis), spine (spinal TB), lymph nodes (lymph node TB), and abdomen (abdominal TB).
Globally, TB remains a leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths. According to WHO statistics, an estimated 10.8 million people contracted TB in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths, including 161,000 HIV-positive individuals. TB was the deadliest infectious disease for three consecutive years before being overtaken by COVID-19.
He stated that the Ministry of Health is intensifying control measures, working to enhance TB surveillance, collaborating with WHO experts to update national guidelines, and raising public awareness, especially among healthcare workers, to recognize the ongoing threat of TB.
The Health Minister is also strengthening TB screening programs, particularly for high-risk groups, and ensuring that patients adhere to treatment plans. “Proper and continuous medication is crucial for preventing drug-resistant TB strains.”
He stated that although Brunei has low rates of multidrug-resistant TB and HIV-associated TB, early detection and timely treatment remain priorities.
He reiterated his commitment to actively addressing these challenges. He also urged the public to be vigilant for TB symptoms, including a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. “Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention at a nearby clinic immediately to prevent complications, including death.”
He further reminded TB patients to strictly follow the prescribed treatment plan. He warned that “irregular medication increases the risk of reinfection or developing drug-resistant TB.”
This year’s World TB Day theme is “Yes! We can end TB: Commitment, Investment, Achievement,” with the Ministry of Health committed to improving the accessibility of TB control services and promoting cross-sector collaboration.
He concluded, “With the support of the community, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, we hope to eliminate the threat of TB to public health.”
As efforts are strengthened, the Ministry of Health urges the public to play their part, stay informed, undergo screening when necessary, and support TB awareness campaigns.
He revealed that in the latest tuberculosis statistics, Brunei recorded 235 cases of TB in 2024, a decrease of 9.62% from 260 cases in 2023. In comparison, 224 cases were detected in 2022, increasing by 16.07% the following year.
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also infect other organs, including the brain (tuberculous meningitis), spine (spinal TB), lymph nodes (lymph node TB), and abdomen (abdominal TB).
Globally, TB remains a leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths. According to WHO statistics, an estimated 10.8 million people contracted TB in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths, including 161,000 HIV-positive individuals. TB was the deadliest infectious disease for three consecutive years before being overtaken by COVID-19.
He stated that the Ministry of Health is intensifying control measures, working to enhance TB surveillance, collaborating with WHO experts to update national guidelines, and raising public awareness, especially among healthcare workers, to recognize the ongoing threat of TB.
The Health Minister is also strengthening TB screening programs, particularly for high-risk groups, and ensuring that patients adhere to treatment plans. “Proper and continuous medication is crucial for preventing drug-resistant TB strains.”
He stated that although Brunei has low rates of multidrug-resistant TB and HIV-associated TB, early detection and timely treatment remain priorities.
He reiterated his commitment to actively addressing these challenges. He also urged the public to be vigilant for TB symptoms, including a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. “Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention at a nearby clinic immediately to prevent complications, including death.”
He further reminded TB patients to strictly follow the prescribed treatment plan. He warned that “irregular medication increases the risk of reinfection or developing drug-resistant TB.”
This year’s World TB Day theme is “Yes! We can end TB: Commitment, Investment, Achievement,” with the Ministry of Health committed to improving the accessibility of TB control services and promoting cross-sector collaboration.
He concluded, “With the support of the community, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, we hope to eliminate the threat of TB to public health.”
As efforts are strengthened, the Ministry of Health urges the public to play their part, stay informed, undergo screening when necessary, and support TB awareness campaigns.