This episode explores the history and ongoing impact of tuberculosis, the deadliest infectious disease in human history. Against the backdrop of its long history, the discussion details how tuberculosis was perceived differently across cultures and time periods, from a romanticized "consumption" associated with artistic genius in 19th-century Europe to a disease of poverty and poor sanitation in later eras. More significantly, the conversation delves into the development of effective treatments in the 1940s and the subsequent dramatic decrease in TB deaths in Western countries. However, the interview highlights the persistent challenge of TB in the global South, where millions still die annually due to factors like interrupted treatment, drug resistance, and the high cost of effective medications. For instance, the story of Henry, a young TB patient in Sierra Leone, illustrates the devastating consequences of treatment interruptions and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The discussion also touches upon the role of pharmaceutical companies and the ongoing fight for affordable access to life-saving drugs. Ultimately, the episode underscores the urgent need for continued investment in TB research, prevention, and treatment to eradicate this curable disease.
