When it comes to posts like 11 countries with the highest tuberculosis rates in the world, we often fail to understand that with such great advancements in technology and medicine, why we have still not defeated troublesome diseases like Tuberculosis? Is it our lack of will, resources or planning? Whatever the answer is, it is not simple!
Tuberculosis is as old as 4000 years – yes, you have just heard it right, 4000 years. It is also worth mentioning here that the graph of Tuberculosis (commonly known as TB) has gone down considerably during the last few decades. TB is a lung disease but sometimes may also affect other parts like a spine, brain, kidneys, etc. The worst thing about this deadly disease is the fact that it is highly contagious; it can easily spread from one person to another through breathing (air). Other than TB, the world, especially the developing nations are still troubled with diseases like Malaria – here you might also be interested in our list of 11 Countries With The Highest Rates of Malaria in The World, which highlights almost the same problems but a different disease.
Through medicine and treatments, the developed world has almost get rid of TB but countries in developing world continue to battle it. It is not only the lack of resources, equipment and medicine that is the problem in these countries, but also the lack of awareness, pollution and unhygienic environment. Africa still remains badly affected with this disease. NGO’s and other international organizations from around the world are doing their best to eradicate TB once and for all from the face of the earth – but something still seems missing…
Let’s us take a look at some of the top countries badly affected by TB
11. Gabon
Gabon is a country in Africa known for its unique wildlife – it is home to some of the most unique population of gorillas, whales and hippos. The country is also affected greatly by TB and annually more than 350 cases are reported officially.
10. Botswana
Botswana is an African country, known for its amazing wildlife and luxurious safari. The country is troubled a great deal by rising TB cases. Every year, around 400 plus cases of TB are recorded in Botswana.
9. North Korea
Situated in East Asia, North Korea might be progressing in the nuclear sector but its healthcare continues to decline. More than 420 cases of TB haunts North Korea each year.
8. Kiribati
Kiribati is an island republic most commonly known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Everything about the country is beautiful except the fact that more than 430 people are victimized by TB each year.
7. Timor-Leste
Number eight on our list of 11 Countries With the Highest Tuberculosis Rates in the World is Timor-Leste. More commonly known as East Timor, the country is greatly troubled by rising TB cases. Close to 500 people are affected by TB every year in East Timor.
6. Zimbabwe
Another African country, Zimbabwe faces similar problem as its neighboring countries when it comes to healthcare. Around 520 cases of Tuberculosis are reported in Zimbabwe annually. These numbers represent a recent decline as the government is taking serious actions to control the spread of this disease.
5. Djibouti
Home to one of the most saltiest water region in the world, Djibouti is fighting hard against TB. Every year more than 600 cases of TB are reported and most of them prove fatal.
4. Namibia
The country is famous for its wildlife, especially the cheetah population, which attracts tourists from all around the world. The country suffers from 650-670 cases of TB each year.
3. South Africa
This famous sporting nation is also hit badly by TB cases which are more than 800 each year. A lot of attention is now being given to control the spread of this disease and to some extent, progress has been made as well.
2. Lesotho
Lesotho is situated at high altitude and is almost surrounded by South Africa. When it comes to TB and cases reported each year, things are pretty similar in Lesotho as well. It gets around 900 cases of TB annually.
1. Swaziland
Number one on our list of 11 Countries With the Highest Tuberculosis Rates in the World is a landlocked country in southern Africa, Swaziland. It is known for its rich culture and unique festivals. Unfortunately, this great country is also affected by TB with over 1,200 cases of TB being recorded each year.
