PATH supports Vietnam’s tuberculosis control efforts

Wednesday, 16:43, 24/02/2016

VOV.VN - On February 24, PATH and international health care company Johnson & Johnson announced a new joint initiative called Breath for Life to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) prevention, detection, and treatment for children in Vietnam.

In partnership with the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), the two-year project will be piloted in Nghe An, a province highly burdened with TB and HIV. By harnessing the capacity of the NTP and public and private health systems, Breath for Life presents a model that could potentially be replicated in other provinces.

TB is a significant cause of illness and death in children in many TB-endemic countries, with nearly 400 children losing their lives daily due to this disease.

“No one deserves to die from tuberculosis, especially children,” noted National Tuberculosis Control Program Director, Dr. Nguyen Viet Nhung, at the opening ceremony. “We must work together to end this epidemic.”

The project will focus on tackling a number of challenges in managing pediatric TB in Vietnam, including training health workers at all levels and realizing the potential for collaboration between the NTP and both public and private healthcare facilities.

“A key priority will be to ensure health workers have the skills and capabilities to detect, treat, and manage pediatric TB. In addition, we will strengthen links and set up referral systems between relevant public and private health facilities,” commented Dr. Kimberly Green, Project Director at PATH.

PATH has a long history supporting Vietnam tuberculosis control efforts, working with national and international partners to detect over 12,000 cases since 2008.

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