Horizon Season 1993 Episode 3 TB - The Forgotten Plague

TB - The Forgotten Plague is an eye-opening episode of the long-running science documentary show Horizon from the year 1993. The episode delves into the global crisis of tuberculosis, a disease long since forgotten in the Western world but still rampant in developing countries.

The episode explores the history of tuberculosis, beginning with the discovery of the disease by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. The audience gets a glimpse of the various ways the disease was treated in the past, with notable figures such as Frida Kahlo and George Orwell being featured. It also highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the treatment of tuberculosis and the challenges that come with eradicating the disease.

The viewer is taken on a glimpse through the world which faced problems such as poverty, poor nutrition, inferior living conditions, and a lack of access to adequate healthcare, which made it difficult to cure the disease of tuberculosis. The episode also spotlights on the social impact of the disease, especially for those who suffered from it. Those who contracted tuberculosis at times had to face social stigmas and were shunned by their communities.

TB - The Forgotten Plague interviews numerous healthcare experts as well as those who have beat the disease. One of the interviews was held with Dr. Nicholas Christakis of Harvard University, who speaks about how social factors contribute to the spread of the disease and how the disease can be spread within a community. There are interviews with doctors and nurses from tuberculosis clinics in India who discuss the current state of tuberculosis there.

Viewers will discover the cutting-edge advancements in the treatment of tuberculosis that show promises. Researchers have developed new drugs that can treat the disease faster and with fewer side effects than ever before, but these drugs are costly and cannot be affordable in poorer countries where the disease is rampant.

The program also sheds light on the impact of TB on developing countries, where the disease still rages unchecked, and where the majority of TB cases occur. In impoverished areas, TB is no longer just an epidemic of poverty - it has become a disease of social inequality as well.

The episode underscores the pressing need for TB research and the vital role of monitoring developments in TB treatment and diagnosis. The film sets out a clear call to action, calling for increased funding for TB research and for public support for TB treatment programs around the world.

In conclusion, TB - The Forgotten Plague is an authoritative and informative episode of Horizon that raises awareness about the danger of tuberculosis and the need for research and investment in TB treatment and diagnosis. With fascinating insights and expert commentary from doctors, researchers, and patients, this episode is particularly significant in today's world as we continue to fight a deadly pandemic. With its lucid coverage of the history and current state of the disease, TB - The Forgotten Plague is an informative and thought-provoking episode that will appeal to anyone interested in public health and the global fight against infectious disease.