Detection of tuberculosis bacteria by using the Bactec MGIT system. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI - In a decisive move to bolster the battle against tuberculosis (TB), Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has mandated intensified efforts towards improving prevention and control measures against the disease.

The urgency of this directive is underscored by the alarming annual death toll from TB, which stands at approximately 13,000 people. A significant number of TB cases within the community remain undetected, presenting a formidable challenge to public health. In response, the Prime Minister signed Telegram No. 25/CĐ-TTg on March 25, 2024, aimed at advancing TB prevention and control initiatives.

Addressed to a wide range of government officials including ministers, heads of ministerial-level and governmental agencies, as well as chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and cities directly under the central government, the telegram outlines a comprehensive approach.

The document emphasises the critical importance of TB prevention and control, a priority that has seen concerted efforts from all levels of government, the entire political system and international organisations working in harmony to combat this disease.

Recent efforts in TB prevention and control have yielded encouraging progress: annually, more than 100,000 TB patients are identified, and the success rate of treatment exceeds 90 per cent. Innovations and new techniques introduced post-COVID-19 pandemic have significantly accelerated the detection of TB.

Despite these advances, the World Health Organization's 2023 report ranks Việt Nam 11th among the 30 countries with the highest burden of TB and drug-resistant TB worldwide, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and action.

The PM urged ministries, sectors, central and local authorities to thoroughly implement the national TB prevention and control strategy. Communications work is considered a long-term and important task for the entire political system from central to grassroots levels, with the healthcare sector being the cornerstone.

Among the several tasks assigned by the leader, chairpersons of the People's Committees of centrally-run localities are instructed to strengthen the capacity of the healthcare system in diagnosing and treating the disease, while effectively implementing community-based TB prevention and control measures.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health is requested to finalise and issue guidelines for the detection of TB, latent TB, and some respiratory diseases in the community and healthcare facilities. Additionally, there is a need to enhance international cooperation and ensure domestic resources, especially medicine. VNS