Tuberculosis Elimination Strategies:
Eliminating Tuberculosis is incredibly challenging. The treatment of TB requires a multi-drug regime that lasts for 6 to 12 months. This treatment is incredibly effective, but there are now strains of the disease that are becoming highly resistant. Furthermore, there is a vaccine, but it is not recommended in the US because it is not entirely effective. TB is a powerful pathogen, which requires very little effort to start growing in the human body. Finally, TB is the number one killer of individuals living with HIV. It is crucial to fund and actively work towards eliminating TB worldwide. (11,12)
Cost to Eliminate Tuberculosis:
Like most diseases the price to eradicate Tuberculosis is high. It is estimated that 10 billion dollars a year would be required to reduce incidents of the disease by 90%. However, while the initial investment is steep, the return value is greater. In addition to saving millions lives annually, and saving individuals thousands of dollars in treatment costs; it is estimated that $43 would be returned for every $1 spent eradicating the disease. In the long term that is an extremely cost beneficial ratio (13,14).