Tuberculosis Control Measures Intensified on World Tuberculosis Day
On March 24th, the 29th World Tuberculosis Day was observed globally to raise awareness about the prevention and control of tuberculosis. In light of this, the Municipal Health Commission reported encouraging statistics regarding the management of tuberculosis in our city.
In 2023, a total of 2,746 new cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis were registered in our city, with 2,113 confirmed cases of etiologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite these numbers, the reported incidence rate remains significantly lower than the national average, reflecting the effective efforts put forth in combating this infectious disease.
To further enhance tuberculosis prevention and control measures, our city will be implementing a variety of strategies. This includes the introduction of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment models, comprehensive prevention services, and active community screening for high-risk groups such as the elderly, diabetics, and close contacts of affected individuals. Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen the detection and treatment management of drug-resistant patients, along with providing free screenings for AIDS patients, HIV-infected individuals, and tuberculosis patients.
The implementation of policies to reduce treatment costs for tuberculosis patients and increase medical insurance benefits for patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis aims to alleviate the burden on individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the launch of pilot projects for “tuberculosis-free communities” will pave the way for a more proactive approach towards tuberculosis prevention and control in our city.
Experts from the Municipal Tuberculosis Control Center have emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of tuberculosis. Individuals at high risk, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, are urged to undergo regular screenings. Additionally, preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, proper ventilation, wearing masks, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing should be followed to reduce the spread of tuberculosis.
As we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day, let us remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this infectious disease and prioritize the health and well-being of our community.