17 Nov TB Concerns

TB hasn’t been in the news much with regard to Haiti. Yet, according to the USAID, Haiti has the highest burden of TB (not prevalence – hrm, data?) and TB is the second cause of death by infectious disease in youth and adults – second after HIV/AIDS. Added to this, there is only about a 49% detection rate, well below the WHO target of 70-85%. Unfortunately, TB is not “sexy” or sensational. It doesn’t have the same kind of clout that HIV/AIDS has or the kind of heart-tugging that child and maternal health does. It’s the quiet killer with a low profile – both medically and popularly.

That over 1 million people are still living in tents, in Haiti in tight, unsanitary quarters is cause for alarm about TB spread. A recent IRIN report notes that GHESIKO immediately set to work tracking down MDRTB patients and getting them on their medications, has placed some in isolation, and is building a 30-bed facility with the capacity to properly test for TB.

Shortly after the earthquake, there was a spike in the reported number of TB cases in Haiti, but it is speculated that it was the massive influx of aid workers and their screening that caused it. The number of new TB cases has leveled off since then.

The Stop TB Strategy (WHO, 2006) includes the pursuit of high-quality DOTS expansion and enhancement:

1. Secure political commitment, with adequate and sustained financing
2. Ensure early case detection, and diagnosis through quality-assured bacteriology
3. Provide standardized treatment with supervision, and patient support
4. Ensure effective drug supply and management
5. Monitor and evaluate performance and impact

I don’t know where i’m going today…it’s more of just a random note.