Structure and management of tuberculosis control programs in fragile states--Afghanistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Somalia

Verena Mauch, Diana Weil, Aayid Munim, Francois Boillot, Rudi Coninx, Sevil Huseynova, Clydette Powell, Akihiro Seita, Henriette Wembanyama and Susan van den Hof

Health Policy, 2010, vol. 96, issue 2, 118-127

Abstract: Objectives Health care delivery is particularly problematic in fragile states often connected with increased incidence of communicable diseases, among them tuberculosis. This article draws upon experiences in tuberculosis control in four fragile states from which four lessons learned were derived.Methods A structured inventory to extract common themes specific for TB control in fragile states was conducted among twelve providers of technical assistance who have worked in fragile states. The themes were applied to the TB control programs of Afghanistan, DR Congo, Haiti and Somalia during the years 2000-2006.Results Case notifications and treatment outcomes have increased in all four countries since 2003 (treatment success rates 81-90%). Access to care and case detection however have remained insufficient (case detection rates 39-62%); There are four lessons learned: 1. TB control programs can function in fragile states. 2. National program leadership and stewardship are essential for quality and sustained TB control. 3. Partnerships with non-governmental providers are vital for continuous service delivery; 4. TB control programs in fragile states require consistent donor support.Conclusion Despite challenges in management, coordination, security, logistics and funding, TB control programs can function in fragile states, but face considerable problems in access to diagnosis and treatment and therefore case detection.

Keywords: Afghanistan; DR; Congo; Haiti; Somalia; Tuberculosis; Health; systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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