Time Is Running Out, It's Time To Eliminate TB
Statement by Ms. Louise Chamberlain, Permanent Representative of UNDP, on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, 2021
On March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated around the world – an event when all countries can reaffirm their commitment to eradicating tuberculosis and ensuring access to TB services for every patient in need. This year, World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated exactly one year after the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Kyrgyzstan. COVID-19 has changed many aspects of life and has had a special impact on people living with tuberculosis, who are also more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.
A year ago, scientists warned about the potential catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis control programs. In Kyrgyzstan, one of the tangible and dramatic consequences was a decrease in the number of diagnosed cases of tuberculosis by almost 30% in 2020 - not as a result of recovery, but as a result of a decrease in the number of people living with tuberculosis covered by TB treatment. Many patients were either reluctant or unable to seek medical help due to travel restrictions, misinformation, fear of COVID-19 and financial vulnerability. The increasing burden on health workers and institutions directly involved in the fight against the pandemic has exacerbated the problems. It is well known that late diagnosis and delayed initiation of treatment lead to the further spread of TB, an increase in the severity of cases and an increase in mortality.
However, remarkable advances in TB treatment were also noted in 2020. Despite the deterioration of the situation and the obstacles imposed by COVID-19 on the health system, the system, with the support of UNDP, has achieved remarkable results. In particular, within the framework of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in 2020, the quality of diagnosis and monitoring of 77% of patients with drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis tested for drug susceptibility was improved, which is 17% higher than in the same period of 2019. The transportation of sputum samples, funded by a UNDP/Global Fund project, was interrupted for only one week during a much longer state of emergency. Monitoring and coordination support from the UNDP team, as well as continuous technical and capacity development support, have greatly contributed to minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on TB programs and maintaining decent and high-quality services in a pandemic.
We express our gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Health and the National Phthisiology Program for their constant efforts to combat the tuberculosis epidemic and steady progress towards achieving Goal 3 in the field of sustainable development. This year, more than ever before, we celebrate the work of every medical professional who continues to do everything possible to help patients without fear for their risks. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff of the National Reference Laboratory, who worked day and night to ensure timely diagnosis of both COVID-19 and tuberculosis, sometimes not returning home to their families for weeks or months.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria helped UNDP support the health system and tuberculosis control services in Kyrgyzstan by offering flexible support and substantial additional funding. I am also grateful to our UNDP HIV and tuberculosis project team, which has gone beyond the call of duty to support tuberculosis and HIV programs, supporting the timely delivery of vital medicines and medical equipment despite global shortages, shortages of supplies, border closures and many exceptionally difficult logistical challenges.
This year, the World Tuberculosis Day is held under the slogan "Time is running out". Despite huge global efforts, tuberculosis remains the biggest killer of infectious diseases and more than ever needs our joint attention, investment and efforts. We should encourage families and loved ones to seek help as soon as they develop symptoms to stop the spread. The same measures that protect against COVID-19 also protect against tuberculosis transmission: wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and keep your distance.
It is equally important to share love, support and care with others who may be living with this disease. We must all work together to end the stigmatization of the sick; let's promise to help them and take on their burden. Together we will be able to fight tuberculosis and achieve our goal - to end this disease. Let's work together to save lives and build a healthier world for everyone!