KHOROG, December 12, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- In Gorno Badakhshan, the number of tuberculosis cases is reportedly increasing from year to year.

This year alone, 209 new cases of tuberculosis have been detected in the region, Mahzur Mehtarshoyev, the head of the GBAO Center to Fight Tuberculosis, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, DOTS labs that have been established in the region over the past two years with support from the Republican Center to Fight Tuberculosis, the Global Fund and the Project HOPE have promoted detecting new TB cases at the shortest possible time.

DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) is one of the most cost-effective health strategies available.  DOTS costs only US$3 - US$7 for every healthy year of life gained.  The DOTS Strategy DOTS strategy combines appropriate diagnosis of TB and registration of each patient detected, followed by standardized multi-drug treatment, with a secure supply of high quality anti-TB drugs for all patients in treatment, individual patient outcome evaluation to ensure cure and cohort evaluation to monitor overall program performance.

Mehtarshoyev notes that increase in the number of TB cases in Gorno Badakhshan has resulted, first of all, from improvement of detection of the disease, in particular in Rushan, Roshtqala and Ishkashim districts and the city of Khorog.  “In the meantime, in Murgab and Darvoz districts, the TB detection rate is very low, but this does not mean that the TB cases in these districts are fewer.  Most likely, primary health facilities there are not so active and local residents are not aware of free and quick testing for tuberculosis.”

“438 persons suffering from active tuberculosis disease are now registered with the GBAO Center to Fight Tuberculosis in Khorog, undergoing medical treatment” Mehtarshoyev said, noting that another problem is the TB Center’s building.  “Our center is placed in a building that was constructed in 1957 already.  The Global Fund, the Ministry of Health and local authorities have promised to assist with construction of a new building, however, the issue still remains open.”