Launching the project "Tuberculosis control in the Vietnam-Cambodia border area phase 2"

SGGPO 05/19/2023 16:37

On May 19, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Tuberculosis Control Program and the Cambodian Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT), held a workshop to launch the project "Tuberculosis Control in the Vietnam-Cambodia Border Area Phase 2".

Overview of the Project Kick-off Workshop "Tuberculosis Control in the Vietnam-Cambodia Border Area Phase 2"

The project aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis for people who frequently travel in the border area between Vietnam and Cambodia, and enhance cooperation between health agencies in the four provinces of An Giang, Tay Ninh (Vietnam) and Svay Rieng, Takeo (Cambodia).

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Binh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Central Lung Hospital and Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in Vietnam, said that Vietnam and Cambodia are two countries facing a heavy burden of tuberculosis. Although significant progress has been made in reducing the incidence of tuberculosis, both countries face a lack of financial resources to completely eliminate tuberculosis.

In addition, in the general context of the world being heavily affected by the 2-year Covid-19 pandemic, TB prevention work in Vietnam and Cambodia has been affected to some extent. The number and mortality rate due to TB in Vietnam in 2021 is estimated at 12,000 people, an increase of 34.8% compared to 2020. This figure in Cambodia is 3,400 people, an increase of 5% compared to 2020. We are facing the risk of TB outbreaks in the community.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Binh Hoa, in order to increase access and record more undetected TB patients, as well as ensure that vulnerable, high-risk groups and the general community, and migrants crossing the border area in particular, can access quality TB diagnosis and treatment services, the Vietnam-Cambodia Border Tuberculosis Control Project Phase 2 has been approved by the Global Fund from 2022 - 2024.

The Project expansion aims to enhance cooperation between Vietnamese and Cambodian health agencies in An Giang, Tay Ninh, Svay Rieng and Takeo provinces, to ensure tuberculosis prevention and control activities in the border areas between Vietnam and Cambodia.

"The project needs the support of leaders at all levels, domestic and foreign partners and the whole society to develop and promulgate favorable mechanisms and policies, as well as commitments and financial support to synchronously implement priority interventions, contributing to increasing migrants' access to TB diagnosis and treatment services, in line with regional and global commitments," Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Binh Hoa informed.

Speaking at the workshop, Chan Yuda Hout, Director of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Center of Cambodia, said that migrants often face poor and crowded living conditions. They rarely seek health care services and have delays in diagnosing their illnesses, making them susceptible to contracting and contracting tuberculosis.

In addition, migrants have difficulty accessing TB diagnosis and treatment services due to lack of health insurance, stigma, discrimination, and undocumented legal status. Likewise, the economic burden associated with TB diagnosis and treatment can have negative impacts on migrants and their families.

Source