Understanding Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is primarily a respiratory illness but can affect nearly any part of the body, transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria responsible for TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is treatable. Yet, the disease remains a leading cause of global mortality, often viewed as a disease of poverty and inequality.

Green emphasizes that in the 21st century, the persistent issue of TB is not due to a lack of knowledge on how to treat it but rather a reflection of societal choices. He argues, "We know how to prevent and cure this disease. The question is why we don't."

The Inspiration Behind the Book

Green's motivation to write his latest nonfiction work stems from meeting Henry Ryder, a courageous individual battling drug-resistant TB. The book intertwines personal narratives with factual information about TB, striking a chord through its youthful protagonist who loves poetry—melding personal experience with broader themes of injustice, resilience, and the human spirit.

Green expresses his shock upon discovering that TB is the deadliest infectious disease in the world, eclipsing more well-known ailments like HIV and malaria. He grapples with the disparity in global health attention and funding, which disproportionately favors diseases that mainly affect richer countries.

The Cumbersome Road to Treatment

One of the stark realities of TB treatment is the lengthy regimen; patients must often endure four to six months of antibiotics that can lead to severe side effects. The stigma surrounding TB further complicates treatment adherence, particularly in impoverished regions where healthcare systems are strained and lack trust. Green recounts the experience of Ryder's family in Sierra Leone, where healthcare resources are extraordinarily limited.

"Imagine living in a country where if you spent the same percentage of GDP on healthcare as wealthier nations, you'd have about $48 per person per year for health services. That’s not sustainable," he explains.

The Historical Context of Tuberculosis

Green draws a fascinating parallel between historical perceptions of TB and modern stigma. In the past, TB was linked to creativity and beauty, romanticized in literature. However, with the discovery of its infectious nature, society began to reframe it as a disease primarily affecting the impoverished and marginalized. This shift not only changed how TB was perceived but also shaped public health responses.

Hope Amid Despair

Despite the grim statistics and challenges ahead, Green remains hopeful. He cites advancements in tuberculosis research, including promising vaccine trials and innovative diagnostic technologies, as signs of potential progress. However, he stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many health services worldwide, leading to increased TB cases and interrupted treatments.

"Just because we've made strides doesn't mean we can become complacent. We've fallen down the staircase of progress, and it’s a crisis that will only worsen if we don’t act," Green asserts.

A Collective Responsibility

The discussion circles back to the moral imperative of fighting TB—an issue that transcends borders, affecting all of humanity. Green argues that the world has the tools to eradicate TB but chooses to ignore its potential. With the U.N. estimating the cost of eradicating TB at $25 billion annually, he posits that this investment is not just necessary but feasible within the context of global health funding.

Green's passionate perspective highlights the intersection of health, justice, and humanitarian effort, reminding us that tuberculosis is not simply a disease that affects "other" people. It is a pressing global health crisis, demanding immediate action and sustained compassion.

In essence, the battle against tuberculosis is not just a scientific one; it’s a moral call to see every life as invaluable. “We cannot let stigma or lack of resources define our response to TB. This is about equity, and everyone deserves a chance at health,” Green concludes powerfully.