HEALTHCARE WORKERS' PERSPECTIVES AND THEIR EFFECT ON TB PATIENT OUTCOMES: A STUDY FROM HHOHHO REGION

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and transmitted through inhalation of droplet nuclei expelled when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a significant global public health challenge, with approximately one-third of the world’s population harboring latent infection. Individuals with latent TB are asymptomatic and non-infectious but carry a lifelong risk of progressing to active disease, especially when immune defenses are compromised. Active TB can lead to severe respiratory illness, long-term lung damage, and death if not properly managed. This study highlights the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of tuberculosis, distinguishes between latent and active infection, and emphasizes the importance of early detection, preventive therapy, and effective treatment strategies to reduce disease burden and interrupt transmission.