The Community Based MDR-TB Care Programme trained 24 health workers from the Ministry of Health in Myanmar in clinical management of MDR-TB as part of a larger effort to strengthen health systems and improve infrastructure.
The programme is active in 33 townships and works in close collaboration with the Department of Public Health, the NTP and local health departments under the Ministry of Health and Sports to reduce the burden and improve treatment outcomes for MDR-TB patients, in line with the National Strategic Plan for TB.
A team of volunteers provides comprehensive MDR-TB care, both to the communities and patients. Services include community mobilisation activities, assistance with referrals to expedite the enrolment process, counselling patients and their families, treatment delivery and contact screening. Each township has a dedicated healthcare worker who administers financial support to all the MDR-TB patients, provides nutritional support and HIV testing when needed, and monitors treatment and side effects through regular home visits.
The Community Based MDR-TB Care Programme is supported by the Global Fund and the 3MDG.