Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, but Brunei Darussalam has recorded a decline in cases over the past year, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat the infectious disease.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar highlighted the latest TB statistics in his message to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2025, observed annually on March 24. He revealed that in 2024, the country recorded 235 TB cases, a 9.62 per cent decrease from 2023, which saw 260 cases. In comparison, 224 cases were detected in 2022, marking a 16.07 per cent increase the following year.
Understanding TB and its impact
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. While it primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also infect other organs, including the brain (meningitis TB), spine (spinal TB), lymph nodes (lymph node TB), and abdomen (abdominal TB).
Globally, TB remains a leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10.8 million TB infections occurred worldwide in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths, including 161,000 cases among individuals living with HIV. TB had been the deadliest infectious disease for three consecutive years before being overtaken by COVID-19.
Brunei’s TB control strategy
Recognising the ongoing threat of TB, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is intensifying its control measures. “We are focusing on strengthening TB surveillance, updating national guidelines in collaboration with WHO experts, and increasing public awareness, especially among healthcare professionals,” said the minister.
The ministry is also enhancing TB screening programs, particularly for high-risk groups, and ensuring that patients adhere to their treatment regimens. “Proper and consistent medication intake is crucial to preventing drug-resistant TB strains,” he added.
While Brunei maintains a low incidence of multi-drug resistant TB and TB-HIV co-infections, early detection and prompt treatment remain priorities. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to proactive measures to keep these challenges under control.
Recognising symptoms and seeking treatment
The public is urged to be vigilant for TB symptoms, which include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. “Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention at a nearby clinic to prevent complications, including death,” the minister advised.
TB patients are also reminded to follow their prescribed treatment plans diligently. “Inconsistent medication intake increases the risk of reinfection or developing drug-resistant TB,” he cautioned.
Commitment to ending TB
In line with this year’s World Tuberculosis Day theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, the Ministry of Health is committed to improving access to TB control services and fostering multi-sector collaboration.
“With the collective support of the community, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations, we hope to eliminate TB as a public health threat in Brunei,” he concluded.
As efforts intensify, the Ministry of Health urges the public to play their part by staying informed, getting screened if necessary, and supporting TB awareness initiatives.
