Echoing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme for its 2010 global tuberculosis strategy—innovate to accelerate action—Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TaiwanCDC) has tapped into Taiwan’s traditional opera culture to help spread the word about TB prevention and control efforts.On May 1st, 2010, the Taiwan CDC adaptation of the classic Chinese opera tale, Madame White Snake was performed at the Ci-Feng Matsu Temple in Pingtung City in southern Taiwan.This creative performance urges everyone to pitch in to fight TB.
Pingtung County Magistrate Cao Qi-hong is a recovered TB patient and he shared his experiences with the attendees.When he was a young child, Cao developed a cough and body weight loss that was later diagnosed as infectious TB.He recovered by taking medications and seeing his physician daily.He said that the best way for TB patients to beat the disease is to be diagnosed early and start treatment early.Now, due to medical advances, TB can be rendered non-infectious in only two weeks with medication.After six months of medication, patients can be cured.Mr. Cao also reminded citizens that there is no reason to be afraid of TB and called on everyone to act to support and encourage those with the disease.
Data shows that TB incidence rates in Pingtung County decreased by 15.6% during the period from 2005 to 2008, while TB death rates decreased by 21.4% during the same period.These results speak volumes about the effectiveness of the Taiwan CDC’s “Mobilization Plan to Halve Tuberculosis Incidence in Ten Years”.However, more than 800 people in Pintung County contract TB annually, so the disease should not be taken lightly.
More than 60% of Pingtung’s TB patients are aged 60 years old and above.Magistrate Cao recited the “Fight TB” poem at the Taiwan CDC’s Madame White Snake performance to remind the attendees that TB can be prevented and treated, that two weeks of drug treatment renders TB non-infectious, and that six-months of drug treatment can produce a full recovery.
The Taiwan CDC’s operatic performance will move to Hualien County on May 9, 2010.Prize-drawings will be held at each opera performace.Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with experts to ensure that everyone comes away with the understanding that TB is curable as long as treatment regimens are followed.Taiwan CDC encourages everyone to join the festivities and the fight against TB!