Tuberculosis : a code of practice for Malta

Abstract

In April 1993, the World Health Organisation declared tuberculosis a "global emergency". Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. One third of the world'spopulation is infected with the mycobacterium, and every year 8 million people develop the disease. The spread of tuberculosis is being enhanced by modern transportation and increasing global travel for business, tourism or as a consequence of war and famine. The deadly link between TB and HIV is another major factor which has resulted in a tremendous increase in the number ofTB cases and deaths. Poorly managed TB control programmes have led to the emergence of dangerous multi-drug resistant strains of tuberculous bacteria. This code of practice is intended to inform the Maltese medical profession about the present trends of tuberculosis in Malta and also to serve as a guide to ascertain continued control and early detection of new risk factors.