Burden of Tuberculosis in Malaysia: An Overview For 2015

Introduction Tuberculosis is a preventable disease but still remains a public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly ONE QUARTER OF THE WORLD population are at risk of progression to tuberculosis disease. This study aims to describe Malaysia’s burden of tuberculosis for the year 2015 in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Materials and Methods The calculation of burden of disease in terms of DALY was done using the methodology used in the Global Burden of Disease Study. The DALYs for tuberculosis were calculated by summing the Years of Life Lost (YLL) with the Years Lived with Disability (YLD). Results [Refer to Poster]. Discussion Malaysia’s burden of tuberculosis accounted for 0.9% of the overall DALYs in 2015, which is much lower compared to those observed in other countries such as Thailand (1.4% of overall DALYs in 2009) and Brazil (2% of overall DALYs in 2010). Timely detection and prompt treatment should be emphasized to prevent early deaths and subsequently reduce the high tuberculosis mortality burden. Reducing the tuberculosis burden among males could be done most efficiently by improving access for tuberculosis care for males, providing counseling sessions as well as lost of wages compensation5. Mass media campaigns on tuberculosis awareness programs, targeting age-specific groups could help reach those within the high tuberculosis burden categories. Conclusion The reduction of tuberculosis morbidity and mortality among males can potentially reduce a large number of tuberculosis burden in Malaysia. Stronger approaches towards lowering the number of non-communicable diseases could help lessen Malaysian elderly’s risk of tuberculosis progression and deaths