From Armenia in brief: Multi drug-resistant TB prevention program to be implemented in 2009

Published: Friday February 13, 2009

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Yerevan - Vahan Poghsyan, head of Armenia's National TB Program, at a press conference on February 11 told journalists that all of Armenia will be involved in a multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) prevention program this coming year.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has awarded Armenia a 6.5 million euro grant to implement the program. According to Mr. Poghosyan, the funds will initially be spent on acquiring the necessary anti-tuberculosis medication, which is very expensive.

According to Arminfo, the head of the National TB Program said that they are planning to increase the number of health clinics that will provide the necessary quality medical assistance to Armenia's population to a total of ten in 2009.

There is a surge of MDR-TB cases globally and Armenia has also be affected. MDR-TB develops when first-line drugs are misused, causing the TB to become drug resistant.

The grant awarded by the Global Fund will go toward equipping laboratories and training of medical staff.

Several international organizations are involved in TB prevention and treatment in Armenia. They include Doctors without Borders, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross.

Armenia adopted a National Program on combating TB for 2007-2015. "We managed to gain considerable success in prevention and treatment of this disease. It is noteworthy that examination and treatment are carried out within the frames of a government order; moreover, Armenian health clinics provide high quality medical support," Mr. Poghosyan said.