Abuse, abandonment and forced silence: Harsh realities faced by female tuberculosis patients

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 10.8 million people contracted tuberculosis in 2023, with approximately 3.6 million of these cases occurring in women

Tuberculosis treatment Representative Image

“Consequences for women TB sufferers differ from that of men,” said Deepti Chavan, a tuberculosis (TB) survivor, counsellor and co-lead of the SATB’s Women’s TB Initiative. Survivors Against TB (or SATB) is a collective of TB survivors, advocates and experts, aiming to spread awareness about the disease and support the affected individuals. 

SATB’s Women’s TB Initiative seeks to address the socioeconomic and biological vulnerabilities faced by female sufferers of the disease. 

“I am a counsellor myself,” Chavan told THE WEEK, “I have heard stories where married women are asked to leave the house, separated from their children— whereas the uncertainty around future and marriage is often the question raised for unmarried women and young girls”. 

Having battled the disease twice—first at the age of 8, and then again at 16—Chavan recalled herself ruminating over future possibilities, including the disease impacting her future marriage and potential pregnancy, while her family often urged her to keep her diagnosis a secret from others. 

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, often abbreviated as TB, is caused by bacterial infection. The bacteria charges at the lungs. The disease, though preventable and curable, can turn fatal without treatment. 

According to a survey published on the National Library of Medicine (US) website, tuberculosis (TB) kills more women each year than any other infection. The disease is the “third cause of morbidity and mortality combined in women of reproductive age in developing countries”, resulting in more deaths in women than men. 

According to a report rolled out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 10.8 million people contracted tuberculosis in 2023, with approximately 3.6 million of these cases occurring in women. Globally, TB is once again the “leading cause of death from a single infectious agent”, reclaiming this position after three years of being surpassed by COVID-19. 

Challenges for TB women patients in India

In India, a number of socio-economic factors hinder access to healthcare for people, especially women. A study in India pressed on the adversities faced by female TB sufferers under the patriarchal umbrella. The female population suffering from tuberculosis receives minimal care from the opposite gender. Women may find it more difficult to comply with treatment once the symptoms subside.

“As a TB survivor, I know firsthand how critical it is to address the unique barriers women face,” remarked Akshata Acharya, another co-lead of the SATB’s initiative. “We must create a world where women feel supported, heard, and empowered to seek TB care without fear or stigma.”

About 5–10% of the global population infected with TB is likely to acquire symptoms and develop the disease eventually. Those who are infected but free of tuberculosis cannot transmit it. 

While talking about the treatment programs and medical care, Chavan emphasised there is an immediate need to raise awareness and establish better healthcare programs. 

“It is necessary for people to know that this disease is curable,” she pointed out. “There is a lot of stigma revolving around tuberculosis and the individuals suffering from it. This needs to be eradicated, so better support can be provided to the affected population,” Chavan further added.

Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp