TB control programme discussed

Islamabad : Vice Chairman of Stop TB Partnership - Pakistan (STP) Dr. Syed Sharaf Ali Shah welcomed all the participants and highlighted the services of STP in eradication of TB, says a press release.

Dr. Syed Hussain Hadi, adviser Policy & Strategy, National TB Control Programme (NTP) briefly described the situation of tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan. He defined that in Tuberculosis (TB) Pakistan is on number 5th among 30 high burden countries in the world. In such circumstances Pakistan is trying hard to make this world free of TB suffering.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, National adviser for MDR-TB, NTP discussed the piloting delivery of comprehensive supportive care to people with Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB). To eliminate DR-TB (which is the worst form of tuberculosis) USAID with the help of Pakistan team developed a pilot project to study the factors affecting DR-TB patient compliance, treatment outcomes and patient’s treatment adherence. To overcome some of the barriers to accessing and adhering to treatment, a patient-centered supportive care package was introduced to address many of the non-medical challenges that patients face in completing their treatment e.g. financial difficulties, transportation, nutrition, depression, and stigma.

The pilot project was implemented by National TB Control Programme (NTP) in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership of Pakistan. The team forged close working relationships with the provincial TB programs and local teams Association for Social Development (ASD) and Association for Community Development (ACD) at the two pilot sites to introduce the care package activities at ground level. This project plays a pivotal role in improving treatment adherence, better treatment outcomes and also developed satisfaction in patients as evidenced by patient’s satisfaction survey.

Dr. Syed Karam Shah, adviser to MoNHSR&C & Stop TB Pakistan, discussed the implementation arrangements. The intervention was implemented by Stop TB Pakistan through dedicated linkages between two PMDT sites and the target districts. Conducted focus group discussions, development work whereby tools for the coordination mechanism were developed. He further defined that Regular interaction with the patients and motivating helps engaging them as ambassadors for DR-TB services. Close coordination with the community plays an important role in addressing stigma and advocacy. TB Control programs should include structured counselling, travel incentives, family support in their proposals and explore local philanthropy through Stop TB and other activists’ organizations. We can also take technical assistance from International partners for advocacy & resource generation. There should be revision of NSP 2020 & inclusion of lessons learnt from comprehensive package for MDR-TB.