Today — World Tuberculosis Day. According to the World Health Organization, experts are concerned that these indicators are increasing annually, moreover, the drug-resistant forms of the disease are spreading widely around our planet, reports the Press Service of the Ministry of Health.
Nevertheless, Uzbekistan is achieving significant success in detecting and treating tuberculosis.
— Previously, it took up to 3 months to detect the disease using laboratory methods, — says Nargiza Parpieva, Director of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Phthisiology and Pulmonology. — Now, 136 gene molecular analyzer devices have been brought to our country, and 97 modern laboratories have been established. 40 of them are operating in districts.
In addition, the logistics service for timely delivery of sputum samples from districts (cities) to the main laboratories has been improved.
Consequently, 46 ultra-portable X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence have been delivered to the regions for diagnosing tuberculosis using radiography, even reaching the homes of bedridden patients to rapidly identify what pathological processes are occurring in the lungs and chest cavity.
Under the decree of our state leader dated January 20, 2023, "About the measures aimed at further development of phthisiology and pulmonology services in 2023 — 2026", tuberculosis detection by immunodiagnostic method in the population group under 14 years of age, and by X-ray method in those older than 14 years, has been initiated for the first time in 10 regions, organizing "Lung Health" mobile brigades.
To prevent the spread of tuberculosis, the coverage of vaccinating newborns was brought to 99.5 percent. Children who for some reasons had not received the vaccine underwent a skin test with tuberculin and then were vaccinated.
In the last 22 years, the country has achieved more than a twofold decrease in the rate of illness and more than a tenfold decrease in the mortality rate.
In turn, the effectiveness of treating patients with 1st-turn sensitive tuberculosis in recent years has reached 90 percent, aligning with the WHO's strategy goals to end the disease.
Additionally, the effectiveness of treating patients suffering from stable forms of tuberculosis has been increased from 91.2 percent to 95 percent, and the treatment duration has been reduced from 2 years to 6-9 months. This is an achievement that very few countries in the world have reached.
With the help of digital technologies, the method of video surveillance in outpatient treatment has been implemented across the country to support patients. This innovative approach especially expands treatment opportunities for the population in remote and isolated areas.
According to the WHO’s relevant Action Plan for 2023 — 2030, significant work in this direction has been carried out in our country in 2023 — 2024.
Extensive screening activities were conducted among the population prone to tuberculosis in vulnerable groups. The range of modern diagnostic methods was expanded.
Quality medications were purchased with state budget funds for the treatment of patients, and prophylactic measures were conducted among contacts to prevent the disease.
We remind you that every year, March 24 is celebrated worldwide as "World Tuberculosis Day." This year, the date is also marked by extensive promotional activities under the slogan “Yes! We can end TB! Commitments, investments, results” in various parts of the world, including our country.
