Tuberculosis rates
continue to decline.
Except among two groups.
The first,
newcomers from developing countries
where
access to health care is limited,
diagnosis delayed,
treatment unavailable or unaffordable.
Where poorly ventilated and
overcrowded housing
favour the spread of infection.
Where hunger and malnutrition
weaken the immune system.
Where education on
risk factors and prevention
is lacking.
Where HIV is prevalent.
The second, Inuit.
(Editor’s note: poet Shai Ben-Shalom, an Israeli-born biologist, examines current events in the Blacklock’s tradition each and every Sunday)
