In 2016, the World Trade Organization (WHO) and Social Service Bureau chose Khanh Hoa Province to pilot the model on community-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care...
In 2016, the World Trade Organization (WHO) and Social Service Department chose Khanh Hoa Province to pilot the model on community-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care, helping to raise awareness and improve health care. Based on its effectiveness, the model continues to be developed till 2020.
Effectiveness from a pilot model
A woman named N.T.B, Vinh Hai Ward, Nha Trang City has been suffering from tuberculosis for 3 years. She failed to strictly follow drug regimen due to financial hardship. The inadequate treatment has led to the development and spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Khanh Hoa Social Care Bureau has provided her community-based multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care with medical insurance and counseling on a strict drug regimen, treatment time to prevent transmission risks.
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Another patient named T.P in Ninh Diem Ward, Ninh Hoa Town is also a drug-resistant tuberculosis patient, but he does not afford the treatment cost. After one year receiving the tuberculosis treatment assistance, his health has much improved. Through the model, he has been offered a medical insurance card, provided counseling, etc.
The WTO and Khanh Hoa Social Service Bureau has funded nearly VND200 million to develop the model in Khanh Hoa Province. Social workers have cooperated with local medical staff to pay home visits to give treatment, counseling and treatment care.
In 2 years, 2016 and 2017, 107 patients diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis and their families became more aware of the disease prevention and control. Besides, every year, Khanh Hoa Social Service Center gives gifts and aid to drug-resistant tuberculosis patients and their families in Khanh Hoa, according to Tran Hiep, Director of Khanh Hoa Social Service Center.
On-going assistance
According to a survey, there are 1,042 patients being managed in Khanh Hoa. Of the figure, more than 100 drug-resistant tuberculosis patients and 150 patients at risk of getting drug-resistant tuberculosis need to be treated, managed and provided prevention measures to prevent transmission. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients meet difficulties due to long treatment time. The patients are poor and thus badly need assistance. Based on the effectiveness of the pilot model, WTO and Social Service Bureau have decided to continue developing the model in Khanh Hoa till 2020.
The model has been developed in 6 towns and districts, namely Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Ninh Hoa, Van Ninh, Dien Khanh and Cam Lam. Coordinating boards for the model have been founded a province and district levels. In 2018 alone, from the VND400 million funding, the model has provided counseling for some 300 patients, social assistance service for 150, support medical insurance cards for 40 and livelihood for 50 patients. Moreover, the model has focused on the strict treatment regimen follow-up, information exchange in order to help patients feel safe and secure with their treatment; boost the propaganda to raise public awareness of tuberculosis control, especially among high-risk groups to reduce the spread of infections in the community.
Van Giang
Translated by N.T
