Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a global crisis. Why are we doing so little to fight it?

Here in the waiting room of Helen Joseph Hospital, a cough never sounds like just a cough. It’s more like the audio accompaniment for a glimpse at what may be the most sustained medical catastrophe of our time. A throng of new patients are spectral figures, the latest victims of what public-health officials dub a “co-epidemic” of tuberculosis and HIV. The patients’ off-white masks flutter whenever they break into that distinctive guttural bark, followed by a raspy rattle in the throat. Linger long enough in this room and you’ll hear prayers offered: “Please, Jesus, let this be a case of ordinary tuberculosis.” Rising numbers of patients are infected with strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to commonly used medications. Treatment, then, will be longer, more punishing, and less effective.