World Tuberculosis Day: Indonesia - Together, We Are Fighting TB

He realized the severity of his illness when the cough became so severe he coughed up blood. It was then he knew that he needed help. He came to the HOPE worldwide Clinic in Jakarta. The clinic doctor and staff began TB treatments that lasted six months. Sayang has been cured and is in good health now.

His experience taught Sayang about TB and its threat. He realizes now that he is not alone in his fight against this disease. Today he is working to increase awareness among his countrymen. He distributes information about TB prevention, as well as encouraging patients to take their medication regularly, and he even volunteers to take patients to HOPE worldwide’s clinic for treatment. Mr. Sembiring and others in the fight are celebrated on World TB Day. This year’s slogan is "On the move against TB", which invites individuals around the world to find innovative new ways to stop TB and inspire others.

With a population of 231 million, Indonesia carries the third highest TB burden globally. More than a quarter million new cases and approximately 140,000 deaths occur each year from the disease. TB is a contagious but can be cured if patents take their medicines daily. It takes approximately six to eight months if they continue to take the prescribed medicine. Suddenly stopping the medication will cause the bacteria to become resistant to the TB treatments. Therefore the eradication of TB requires strong cooperation between medical providers and their patients.

HOPE worldwide Indonesia supports the Indonesian government in fighting TB and in celebrating World TB Day on March 24, 2010. HOPE worldwide will conduct “talk show”, featuring the testimonies of cured patients plus free TB consultations on March 20th and 27th in Central Park, Jakarta, Indonesia, in partnership with Fitplus, Carrefour and Central Park.