Did you know? A total of 877.531 Indonesians are recorded as having pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) based on doctor's diagnosis based on 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) data. Even more ironic, 37,5% of pulmonary TB patients do not complete the full six months of treatment. This means that approximately 329,000 people are potentially a source of new infections and are at risk of developing drug-resistant TB bacteria.
So what are their reasons for stopping treatment? 34,3% said the drugs were unavailable at health facilities, and 32,4% said they felt healthy even though they hadn't completed treatment and were declared cured by the doctor. Other reasons include laziness and forgetfulness. This could be because 4 out of 10 TB patients don't have a PMO (Drug Supervisor), even though a PMO is one of the keys to successful treatment. Without supervision, the risk of drug resistance is a real threat to patients and those around them. Let's support TB patients around us to complete treatment for up to 6 months.
If you or someone close to you is undergoing TB treatment, don't stop before the 6-month period is complete! Many patients stop taking their medication because they feel healthy, even though the TB bacteria are still lurking in their bodies. Don't be one of the 37,5% of patients who don't complete their treatment. Let's start with simple things we can do today! Schedule a reminder to take your medication; don't skip a single day. For your family at home, provide support and motivation to get well and complete treatment. And PMOs ensure that patients take their medication and always monitor their progress. TB can be defeated, but only with discipline and the support of those around them. Share this content so more people know and care!
Design/narration: Ken Tsania Indiradjati, Poltekkes Kemenkes Jakarta 3 (Internship Student at BKPK Kemenkes)
