Washington, Mar 24, (RHC), – Tuberculosis is still a major cause of death in Latin America and the Caribbean, says a report from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

In 2012, the region reported nearly 220,000 cases and 19,000 deaths due to tuberculosis. The spreading of multi-resistant tuberculosis is one of the major challenges being faced by health authorities, together with patients infected with both tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

“This situation not only jeopardizes the lives of those who suffer the disease, but also perpetuates its transmission and creates socio-economic problems for patients and their communities,” says the document.

Tuberculosis is a transmissible disease whose prevalence increases in vulnerable populations in the big cities and slums, where high population density and poor sanitation standards favors its spread.

The disease is curable, but can be lethal if not treated properly.