Community participation is essential to eliminate tuberculosis

By the decision of the WHO, March 24 was declared “World Tuberculosis Day”, and on this day, multifaceted activities are organized against the disease. In anticipation of this day, Health and Social Institute Policy of Mongolia presented a policy on the introduction of community-led surveillance, which aims to contribute to strengthening tuberculosis care.

Our country remains one of the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. Since this disease requires long-term treatment, it exposes patients to social discrimination and has negative consequences for the patient. Therefore, the Institute for Health Policy NGO, with the support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Ministry of Health, is implementing the “Introduction of Community-led Surveillance” policy project, which aims to strengthen tuberculosis care by integrating the views, opinions and experiences of people affected by tuberculosis in Songinokhairkhan, Bayanzurkh district, Khentii, and Darkhan-Uul aimags.

These provinces and districts are regions with high tuberculosis incidence, high migration, and high population density in Mongolia. In each of these four areas, a joint council consisting of 11 people has been established. 30 percent of the council is made up of civil society, including civil society, including those who have survived tuberculosis and their families. In doing so, information is collected from people with tuberculosis on a monthly basis. Specifically, they conduct surveys and analyze what problems they face in terms of health care, how accessible and high-quality it is, and whether they have experienced discrimination from health and other organizations. This work has been carried out in cooperation with relevant organizations and has been conducted as a baseline study since October last year. The “Introduction of Community-Led Control” policy project has been successfully implemented in Asian countries and continues to yield benefits.

Tuberculosis infection is high among people aged 15-50, especially those aged 20-30
The lack of basic knowledge about who gets tuberculosis, how it is transmitted, and how long it takes to be treated leads to negative consequences such as increasing the spread of the disease and discrimination against people suffering from the disease. Therefore, the association has released a “Documentary Album on the Role of Social Organizations in Eradicating Tuberculosis.” During the observation, it was observed that in addition to implementing preventive measures at a sufficient level, it is necessary to provide liver protection and drugs that reduce side effects during outpatient treatment, and to intensify diagnostics.

Tuberculosis infection is high among people aged 15-50, especially those aged 20-30. This is due to the fact that they do not sleep at their biological time and do not eat nutritious foods, which reduces their immunity and leads to neglecting their health. It was also emphasized during the news that they waste time without noticing the symptoms.