KATHMANDU, March 25: The country reported almost 70,000 new patients of tuberculosis (TB) in the fiscal year 2079/080 BS. According to the National Tuberculosis Center, only 37,447 patients received treatment of the total 70,000 new patients reported in the year 2079/080 BS. 

TB claims 18,000 lives in the country every year. 

The information was shared on the occasion of World TB Day, which was marked across the country by organizing different events with the theme "Yes! We can end TB" on Sunday.

Director of the Center, Dr Prajwal Shrestha, said that people aged 15 to 44 are more vulnerable to TB and the prevalence of TB is also among senior citizens aged above 65.

Presently, the government is offering anti-TB medicines for free from 6,000 plus health institutions. 

According to Director Shrestha, the country is implementing intervention programs against TB as a part of 'TB Free Nepal Campaign' and the identification, diagnosis, and treatment services have been implemented in 125 local units. 

The Government of Nepal has set a target to eradicate TB from the country by 2050.

 
• tuberculosis
 
• Nepal