Myanmar Needs Sustainable Supply of TB Drugs To Continue Progress in Controlling Disease, Health Minister Says

Myanmar needs a sustainable supply of tuberculosis drugs to continue the country's progress in controlling the spread of the disease, Myanmar's Health Minister Kyaw Myint said recently at a review meeting of the country's Ministry of Health and the Global Drug Facility held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Xinhua News Agency reports.

According to reports, GDF has provided TB drugs to Myanmar since 2003, and the government offers treatment to TB patients. Myanmar estimates that about 100,000 new TB cases occur annually, about half of which are active cases. The country has achieved a 95% case detection rate and an 84% treatment success rate. In addition, more than 85% of TB patients have been treated for TB successfully since the country introduced DOTS in 1997 (Xinhua News Agency, 12/5).