Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the member for Werriwa’s motion relating to World Tuberculosis Day and commend him for putting it before the House. This coming Thursday, 24 March, the world recognises World Tuberculosis Day. Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases which still causes a grave effect on humans. It is currently the leading killer of people living with HIV and the third-leading killer of women. Besides people with low immunity, the disease is often found amongst lower socioeconomic communities and the homeless. It is a disease of the past and of the present, and if nothing changes it will continue into the future.

More than two billion people are currently infected with the TB bacterium, which is roughly a third of the world’s population. Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria known as mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an infectious and airborne disease. Tuberculosis predominantly attacks lungs; however, it will proceed to attack bones and joints, the circulatory system and the central nervous system.

First reference of a disease similar to TB in humans dates back to ancient Egypt. Examinations of mummies in tomb paintings reveal that tuberculosis was present at that time—around 5,000 BC. Ancient Egyptian paintings portray spinal tuberculosis, indicating the presence of the disease, and reference to the disease is evident in ancient Greek literature by Hippocrates as well as in literature by English playwright William Shakespeare.

Tuberculosis has been known by different names since ancient times. The ancient disease called phthisis has references to symptoms similar to that of TB. The recognised term ‘tuberculosis’ was first used in the 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the word ‘tubercle’, meaning a protuberance, swelling or nodule. In the case of tuberculosis, such nodules are found in lungs or on bones.

In 2010, TB became one of the leading diseases in HIV related deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, prevention and treatment of TB in people living with HIV is an urgent priority for both HIV-AIDS and TB programs. It is sad to see the disease that for so long infected our ancient ancestors is still affecting many people today. Preventing TB is easy. Treatment is simple. However, it continues to navigate its deadly path, causing devastation amongst those less fortunate. Supporting further action to control tuberculosis is one way in which Australia can increase the impact of its aid. TB is in most cases a curable disease. The past 20 years has seen considerable success in eradicating the disease. However, TB still kills more than 1.75 million people a year internationally and has the highest growth rate in the South-East Asia region. The highest number of deaths occur in the Asia-Pacific region in countries including China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The World Health Organisation has announced an endorsement of a new rapid tuberculosis diagnostic tool, Xpert MTB/RIF. This tool allows patients to receive an analysis and begin suitable treatment faster than ever before. Used widely, Xpert will prevent TB transmission on a massive scale. In recognising World Tuberculosis Day, it is important to acknowledge the implementation of this new Xpert diagnostic tool and particularly what it can do in South-East Asia. The member for Braddon spoke passionately about the cycle of poverty and tuberculosis and the spread of the disease. This is a sad state of affairs as it is extremely preventable. The implementation of this device will cut the time for diagnosis from several weeks to two hours and will eventually lead to significant improvements in the detection and treatment of tuberculosis. Awareness of what can and should be done is commendable and encouraged, particularly on such a significant day as this Thursday.

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