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Survivor Testimonials Promote Treatment on World TB Day
Thursday, March 20, 2003 — “I suggest to everyone who is TB-infected to struggle for his health, to get treatment on time and to learn to prevent TB.”
A beneficiary of the American Red Cross Aral Sea Food Aid and Nutrition Project for Tuberculosis Patients signs for her commodity at the distribution point in Kazalinsk village, Kazakhstan.
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So said Aymurza, a 23-year-old resident of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, and one of thousands of people in the Aral Sea region of Central Asia coping with tuberculosis (TB).
TB remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases in the world, claiming the lives of two million people each year. In many developing countries, TB infection rates continue to climb.
In an effort to raise awareness about the alarming trend, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated a day every March since 1992 as “World TB Day”. The American Red Cross is marking this year’s World TB Day on March 24 by promoting survivor testimonials, such as Aymurza’s, hoping to encourage those infected to seek treatment and to eliminate stigmas associated with the disease.
The American Red Cross’ role in improving health specifically in the Aral Sea region dates back four years ago, when it assessed the impact of tuberculosis in the area. Its findings estimated that 250 to 370 out of every 100,000 people were infected.
In response, the organization launched the Aral Sea Food Aid and Nutrition Project for Tuberculosis Patients in April, 1999, to improve the nutrition of 102,000 TB-patients in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Due to ecological decline and resulting nutritional deficiencies, many residents have suffered weakened immune systems, contributing not only to a rise in tuberculosis but also in making recovery and prevention of the disease more difficult.
By providing fortified food parcels, including wheat, flour, rice and vegetable oil, the American Red Cross is helping improve the nutritional status of TB-patients, thus increasing their success rate in treatment programs such as Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course (DOTS).
TB Cure for all: DOTS
Treatments and cures for TB have existed for many years, but because of the large dosages required for treatment over a long period of time (six to nine months), it has been difficult for patients to complete their therapy on their own. One treatment strategy, however, DOTS has been proven to cure patients, save lives, prevent the development of drug resistance and reduce disease transmission.
DOTS was developed by WHO and is internationally recommended strategy for TB control, combining the latest anti-TB medication with close monitoring of patients by health officials. DOTS patients receive free medication and have every dose observed, from the two-month intensive-treatment hospitalization, to the six to nine-month treatment regimen thereafter.
Kindergarten children in Karakalpakstan learn about TB prevention.
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The DOTS approach not only ensures that TB patients take the proper combination of drugs at the correct intervals but also creates a support network for patients who have defaulted on other, less controlled programs.
”I must say it is an effective treatment and everyone can use it, because it is free and controlled,” said Dr. Doshetov, Head Tuberculosis Doctor for the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzebekistan. “There is no other treatment here like this. It is particularly effective for people infected for the first time.”
To help spread awareness of the program, the American Red Cross implemented a Nutrition Education Teams (NET) component to its project in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. NET was introduced to local TB hospitals and with the support of chief doctors, voluntary community educators were trained.
NET teams travel throughout various institutions, teaching subjects such as general TB information, principles of DOTS therapy, hygiene and sanitation and general nutrition.
Survivors Speak Out on DOTS
The theme for the 2003 World TB Day is “People with TB”, which is underscored by the slogan: “DOTS Cured Me, It Can Cure You Too!”
By giving former and current patients a platform to talk about their treatment, humanitarian organizations hope to convey to potential victims that TB can be cured with DOTS and that the disease does not discriminate, thus eliminating social stigmas associated with it.
On March 24, the American Red Cross, the Uzbek Red Crescent Society and Doctor’s Without Borders, in collaboration with Counterpart’s Umir Nuri Child Survival Program, the Center for Healthy Living and the Republic TB dispensary are holding a celebration in Nukus City, to elicit patients to be advocates in their own community.
A young boy in Kazakhstan helps his grandmother transport food given by the Red Cross.
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The main event will take place at the beautifully renovated, 600-seat Berdaax Theater for community leaders, members of the Ministry of Health, the Hakim (mayor), students and community members. Some of the scheduled activities include plays addressing social stigmas, poster contests, multimedia exhibits, dances, games designed to test general knowledge about the disease and emotional testimonials by TB-patients.
In addition, the American Red Cross will provide refreshments to every institution in Karakalpakstan that has TB in-patients to raise their awareness about World TB Day, to recognize the importance of their decision to seek treatment for their illness and to encourage patients to speak to others about their experience.
World TB Day serves as a unique opportunity for international humanitarian agencies, NGO’s (non-government organizations) and community-based organizations to work together in reducing the burden of TB around the world. TB survivors like Aymurza are living proof of the successful treatment programs that can combat the spread of tuberculosis.
”I was cured because of the DOTS program and the doctors’ help,” said Aymurza. “This period of the DOTS course made a big change in my life, and has made my health better.”
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year, crises like the Myanmar Cyclone and China Earthquake, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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