One-third of new TB patients in S.E. Asia have no access to care: WHO
- WHO says that nearly 33% of the 3 million tuberculosis patients in Southeast Asia (which accounts for 39% of global TB burden in terms of incidence) don’t have access to TB services.
- It has urged such countries to find, treat & cure these 33% to accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, infections, sufferings & stigma.
- These 33%, from among the 9 million cases worldwide continue to spread the disease in the community.
- There are patients who although diagnosed aren’t officially reported, eluding public health systems, threatening to nullify the gains made so far.
- Factors influencing TB are (same reasons for unreported cases) :
- low nutrition
- poverty
- social stigma
- environment
- rapid urbanisation
- large population displacement in many countries
- Only Drugs alone cannot treat TB in the community.
- India accounts for 26% of the TB cases worldover.
- Nearly 4,50,000 patients died from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand in 2012.
- Multi-drug resistance among newly detected cases is low in this region owing to efficient implementation of DOTS (directly observed treatment short course)
- Measures taken:
- laboratory networks have been strengthened to detect infections
- intensified case-finding is steadily increasing at TB–HIV counselling and testing and care centres
- India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand (high HIV burden countries) have strong & unique TB–HIV referral & integrated management mechanisms.
- primary health care approach is used to reach far flung areas
- Public-private initiatives have helped in increased notification of cases
- community-based TB services are expanding and have demonstrated cost-effectiveness, higher utilisation and better outcomes.
- Social support that entitles TB patients to community-based poverty alleviation schemes positively impacts treatment access as it brings down social and economic barriers.
Exams Perspective:
- DOTS (directly observed treatment short course)
- WHO
- Multi-drug resistance
- Primary Health Centres (PHC)
- Tuberculosis