The Hindu

`Despite significant success in TB control, a lot needs to be done' 

• March 24 is World TB Day
• Further involvement of private practitioners in TB control programme stressed
• Training programmes for implementing the new strategy to start soon

Bangalore, Mar 24: If you feel a murmur in your lungs or have incessant cough for more than three weeks, chances are that you may have tuberculosis.

Even though there has been significant success in controlling TB, a lot remains to be done, feel those campaigning against the scourge.

With a view to effectively eradicating TB worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the new "Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015" and the theme for World TB Day (March 24) is built on this plan-"Actions for Life: Towards a Life Free of Tuberculosis."

In Karnataka, the various organisations implementing the TB control programme have geared up to meet the global target of eliminating the disease by 2050.

"Under the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) regime, TB has been controlled here to a large extent. Unfortunately, patients who do not take the medicines properly as prescribed may develop multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) which is very difficult to cure. Moreover, HIV-infected persons getting TB are also adding to the numbers.

Following the treatment regimen accurately and involvement of the community in the programme is essential in the management of TB," according to Shashidhar Buggi, honorary secretary of the Karnataka State Tuberculosis Association.

Dr. Buggi said that the need was to involve more private practitioners in the Revised National TB Control Programme and to ensure community participation.

The new "Stop TB Strategy" outlined in the Global Plan addresses the current challenges facing countries in responding to TB - how to continue scaling-up TB control activities while also addressing the spread of TB and HIV co-infection and MDR-TB.

The six components of the strategy include pursuing high-quality DOTS expansion and enhancement; addressing TB/HIV, MDR-TB and other challenges; contributing to strengthening of health system; engaging all care providers; empowering people with TB and communities and enabling and promoting research.

The implementation of the plan will result in about 50 million people being treated. Some 14 million lives will be saved from 2006 to 2015.

The strategy is to introduce the first new TB drug in 2010, with a new short TB regimen (one to two months) shortly after 2015. By 2012, a diagnostic toolbox will accurately identify people with latent TB infection and those at high risk of progression to

disease. By 2015 a new, safe, effective and affordable vaccine will be available

According to K.R. Ravindra, consultant physician, Victoria Hospital and nodal officer for TB control programme, training programmes for implementing the new strategy would start soon.

"Already the cure rate is around 80 per cent. This has been achieved because the patient takes the medicine under the supervision of the doctor or health worker and there is regular follow up.

"Drugs are supplied free and there is emphasis on early diagnosis," he said.