Prevention of development and spread of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis in Ohangwena region, Namibia
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
Namibia has been treating TB patients with the second line drugs since 1999 when MDR-TB drugs were introduced. The magnitude MDR-TB is unknown but 254 cases were reported in 2007 of which 9 were from Ohangwena region. Ohangwena had 36 MDR-TB on treatment by the end of December 2008, suggesting the increase in prevalence. In 2009, 23 XDR-TB cases were reported in Namibia. No trend data available, and the first drug resistance surveillance survey was only done in 2008, results still unreleased. This thesis aimed at exploring the factors that favour the development and spread of M/XDR-TB, recommended interventions and experiences by other countries in similar situations, as well as describing the current responses to prevent TB in Namibia. This was a desk review explorative study which used literature across the globe but looked closely at Southern African countries experiences. Two frameworks were used to describe the factors and to explore the recommended interventions and other countries’ experiences and current responses respectively. The major findings is that although there are many factors that fuel the development and spread of M/XDR-TB, inadequate implementation of DOTS and the high prevalence of HIV have serious impact on the development and spread of M/XDR-TB. Specific health related factors such as infection control in hospitals, availability and accessibility of diagnostic equipment and second line drugs as well as well trained staff are core in the prevention M/XDR-TB. The thesis concluded that proper implementation of DOTS, DOTS-Plus and STOP-TB strategies improves TB treatment outcomes and subsequent reduction of development of M/XDR-TB strain, but it needs more resources. Recommendations include improvement in DOT, infection control and contract tracing.
Authors:
Hango, J.N.
Country:
Namibia
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
disease prevention and control
,
health services
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
xi, 52
Year:
2009
Region:
Southern Africa
Right:
© 2009 Hango
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Prevention of development and spread of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis in Ohangwena region, Namibia
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)