According to the statistics compiled by Taiwan CDC, there were 1,900 new cases of TB in New Taipei City in 2012, a 20% decrease compared to 2005. However, senior citizens over the age of 65 account for more than 40% of new TB cases. Taiwan CDC and the New Taipei City Public Health Bureau invited a troupe of veteran artists to lead their Arts against Tuberculosis campaign to attract the participation of seniors. In addition to advocating TB awareness and preventative practices, and dispelling popular misconceptions about the disease, Taiwan CDC is also using the campaign to promote healthy habits to protect the elderly against H7N9. Most recently, the Art against Tuberculosis troupe performed at the Sanchong Xianse Temple on Saturday, April 27.

Of the four artists in the troupe behind Arts against Tuberculosis, three are personally familiar with TB; Chin Wei and singer-movie star Chen Qiong-Mei both had TB as children and endured social hardships in a time when awareness and acceptance of the disease was low. Now, they live healthy lives thanks to advanced medical science and technology. However, TB patients in the past were subject to intense social pressure, because of social attitudes in the past. Si-Ma Yu-Jiao - hostess from Happy Everyday, a popular 80s-90s TV program – recently discovered that her father had TB after taking him to a hospital visit. Through the art of Shuixuedouchang – a form of comedy and stage acting that mixes singing and witty repartee to deliver a strong social message, Art against Tuberculosis calls on people to enhance their awareness and understanding of the disease and TB prevention.

Since 2006, Taiwan CDC has been implementing the directly observed treatment, short-course or DOTS program where caregivers personally help patients to take their medication “from the hand, to the mouth – swallow, then leave”. This method helps patients complete their treatment, and reduces the chance of the disease becoming resistant, which occurs when patients do not take their medication as scheduled. In 2012 last year, New Taipei City achieved a 94% success rate with the DOTS program.

Lai Li-Ya, a public health nurse from the Shenkeng District in New Taipei City joined the campaign to talk about her experience with the DOTS program for more than 2 years. Her first case was an immobile 70-year-old TB patient recovering from a stroke. As an ornery patient, he would take the pills into his mouth only to spit them out, forcing the nurses to make multiple trips to and from the health center for more medication. He would also rain verbal or physical abuse upon those who were assigned to care for him. This went on for more than a year and still the patient had not successfully completed his TB treatment. Then, Lai – a novice on her first assignment – found herself chiefly responsible for his care. Lai admitted that his obstinance frustrated her. She thought, even an experienced nurse would not have accepted such a difficult case; needless to say, she wanted to give up. One time, when the patient recoiled his hand to hit her, she said to him, “Sir, you use your hand to hit everyday – does it hurt?” To her surprise, he responded, saying that his back has been hurting him everyday and would like a massage. So Lai took the initiative and massaged his back for 20 minutes. As a result of her patience and perseverance, Lai broke through the patient’s psychological defenses and established an effective channel of communication that the patient began to look forward to her visits, during which she would help him take his medication and enjoy a pleasant conversation. Three months later, the patient successfully completed TB treatment.

New Taipei City Public Health Bureau said that TB is not a terrible disease. In fact, TB is no longer contagious after only two weeks of medication and treatment. However, patients must adhere to their treatment schedule and take their prescribed medication without interruption for six to nine months after completing the course of treatment to be entirely cured of TB. During prolonged treatment, patients need the care and support of family and society.

The Art against Tuberculosis campaign will continue on Saturday, May 4 at the Tainan Grand Matsu Temple; local residents are welcome to participate.