An Unforgotten Pandemic:Exploring Linkage Between Women, Tuberculosis and Related Stigma

Tuberculosis ranks as the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide next to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis patients, their families and siblings have been and continue to be the victims of social stigma. Stigma associated with various diseases has been a major concern of public health specialist both in developed and developing countries like India. Although a number of policies were formulated in time and again in order to curb the menace of deadly disease of Tuberculosis but management of tuberculosis (TB) is turning out to be a very difficult task for policy makers mainly because of social stigma attached to it. Stigma mainly affects women more so if she is married. The impact of disease on women primarily in terms of access to TB related services is more pronounced. The study explores the impact TB and related stigma on women. It also suggests specific intervention strategies aimed at improvement and better access to TB service.