Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is a highly contagious infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms of TB include rapid weight loss, a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
TB spreads through direct contact with an infected person, making it essential to take precautions. Thankfully, there is a vaccine available to help prevent TB. In the U.S., there are fewer than 20,000 cases reported annually. However, globally, TB remains a major health issue, with one person being infected every second. Each year, 5.5 million people worldwide die from TB, and over 22 million people are living with active, full-blown TB, particularly in children.
We must continue working together to reduce the spread of TB and prevent the unnecessary loss of life caused by this deadly disease.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is a slow-progressing disease that is increasingly affecting men, particularly those of African descent. Unfortunately, there are no definitive steps to completely prevent prostate cancer. However, factors such as family history, age, and race contribute to the risk of developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, including diet, body weight, and physical activity, can help reduce the likelihood of getting prostate cancer.
Men aged 45 and older should schedule regular check-ups to screen for this condition. If the test results are positive, it is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor for further evaluation and possible treatment options. Medications such as Proscar and Avodart are commonly prescribed by doctors, and some studies suggest that taking aspirin may help reduce the risk of developing or dying from prostate cancer. However, there are both benefits and risks to taking aspirin, so it’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.
Our mission is to provide prostate cancer screenings, raise awareness about prevention, and refer individuals to specialists who can offer expert treatment. We are committed to helping the community take proactive steps in the fight against prostate cancer.
PREVENTION OF HIV AND AIDS
Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, nor is there a vaccine available. However, it is possible to protect yourself and your partner from infection. The most effective defense is education—understanding how HIV and AIDS are transmitted is key to prevention. It’s important to avoid contact with body fluids such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen.
HIV is a viral infection that weakens the immune system, eventually leading to AIDS. If you experience symptoms like unexpected weight loss, muscle aches, or recurring fevers, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. In the U.S., more than 200,000 new cases of HIV are reported annually. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected, with 75% of the global HIV-positive population living there. Currently, around 25 million people in Africa are living with HIV.
We are dedicated to providing vital information about HIV and AIDS, offering HIV testing, and referring those with positive results to healthcare providers for further care and treatment. Our goal is to help individuals stay informed, get tested, and receive the care they need to manage their health.
MALARIA
Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause symptoms such as headaches, high fever, sweating, nausea, and chills. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to malaria, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. In the U.S., there are around 20,000 cases of malaria each year. However, the situation is far more dire in Africa, where there are 400 million malaria cases annually, resulting in 2.1 million avoidable deaths. Tragically, 90% of those deaths are children under the age of 5. In fact, 95% of all malaria cases worldwide occur in Africa.
We are committed to combating malaria by providing insecticide-treated nets and educating families on their proper use. Our health promotion and disease prevention programs are being introduced at the school level, with active involvement from local communities. In the next phase of our efforts, we plan to supply anti-malaria medications to hospitals that are experiencing shortages.
We hope you’ll join us in helping to reduce the global impact of malaria and prevent the unnecessary loss of life. Together, we can be part of the solution to this ongoing crisis.
Knowledge is power, and by sharing the most current information, we empower individuals to protect themselves against these diseases. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and prevention is far more effective than treatment. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to up-to-date, reliable information.
That said, it’s important to remember that any health decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. While ITC provides this information free of charge, we are not responsible for any outcomes based on the use of this information. We encourage you to seek professional medical advice for your specific health needs.
