Today marks World Tuberculosis Day. Kyrgyzstan has achieved a significant reduction in the incidence rate over the past five years, dropping from 78 cases per 100,000 people in 2019 to 59.8 cases in 2023.
However, there is no room for complacency. Last year alone, the country registered 4,170 new cases and relapses of tuberculosis. Ainura Ibraimova, the head of the USAID "Stop TB" project, notes that tuberculosis remains one of the world's leading killers.
Despite global efforts, the tuberculosis bacterium often shows high survivability and develops drug-resistant strains. The disease spreads through the air and can affect not only the lungs but also other organs.
In Kyrgyzstan, significant changes in tuberculosis treatment have been made in the past five years, largely due to the political will of the state and the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Fund. Innovative diagnostic methods have been introduced, such as the stool test, making Kyrgyzstan a pioneer in the region.
Efforts have also been made to improve treatment effectiveness, especially for patients with drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis. The introduction of new drugs and innovative diagnostic methods has contributed to a higher cure rate, with shorter treatment regimens now yielding up to 84% effectiveness.
Preventive measures are gaining more attention globally, highlighting the need for continued efforts in Kyrgyzstan. The country has also implemented successful strategies such as incentivizing successful tuberculosis treatment and transitioning to outpatient care for less severe cases.
Recognizing the symptoms of tuberculosis, such as fatigue, weight loss, and persistent fever, is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. With proper and timely treatment, patients can stop being contagious within two weeks, emphasizing the importance of completing the full treatment course to prevent the disease from becoming drug-resistant.
