Zambia launches effort to improve tuberculosis diagnosis

Mar 4 2009

Zambia recently launched a four-year project to improve tuberculosis diagnosis and ensure early treatment for the disease, the Daily Mail reports.

Alimuddin Zumla, professor of infectious diseases and international health director at the University College of London, said the project, called Active Detection of Active Tuberculosis, aims to provide training, build capacity, develop infrastructure and improve Zambia's national TB program. He said the "main focus" of the program will be to develop accurate diagnostic tools.

According to Zumla, Zambia's current diagnostic tools detect 60% of TB cases, meaning that 40% of cases go undiagnosed. He said he is optimistic that the project will bring in new diagnostic equipment, which would improve TB detection and reduce mortality associated with the disease. In addition, improved diagnostic tools would ensure early and effective TB treatment, Zumla said. He added that the program also will examine methods to reduce TB treatment time in order to improve treatment adherence rates.

According to Zumla, Zambians will implement and benefit from the TB project. In addition, the project will allow for networking opportunities with other countries such as South Africa. The University of Zambia, University of London and a university in Mbeya, Tanzania, also will collaborate on the program, the Daily Mail reports. According to Zumla, the project aligns with the framework of the Zambian Ministry of Health's national TB program (Nyondo, Daily Mail, 3/4).