Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and posing a threat to community well-being. There are dangerous neurological complications of TBC, including tuberculous meningitis, central nervous system and cranial nerve lesions, lesions of the vertebral column affecting the spinal cord, and peripheral neurotoxicity due to tuberculostatic therapy. In patients co-infected with HIV-1, TB meningitis has a mortality approaching 50%.
We commend the efforts of the World Health Organization in combating tuberculosis and appreciate the progress made in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Addressing major infectious diseases like TB reduces the burden on healthcare systems, however, a comprehensive approach to healthcare considers both infectious diseases (like tuberculosis) and non-communicable diseases (like many neurological disorders).
Advocating for global health initiatives, such as ending the TB epidemic, requires collaboration among various stakeholders. Neurology professionals can play a role in advocating for comprehensive health solutions, contributing to the progress in implementing the End TB strategy.