The need for global action against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Abstract

There is a need for global action against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB). Statistical evidence gathered through global surveillance indicates that this infectious disease prevails on a worldwide scale. In spite of this fact many of the leading public health organizations and funding agencies are doing little to fight MDRTB. For instance the recent US TB epidemic demonstrates the importance of considering future costs in deciding on the worth of present control measures. In the mid-1980s the director of the Centers for Disease Control and prevention Dr. James Mason testified before Congress that US$36 million/year were needed to eliminate TB in the US. However TB was not considered serious enough to justify the cost and the funds were not provided. If this kind of attitude persists then it is expected that incidence of MDRTB will continue to increase. TB must be controlled and eliminated. Effective treatment must be provided for all patients with active TB and for patients with MDRTB individualized treatment regimens based on culture drug susceptibility testing and supervision by physicians and health care workers experienced in the management of this disease are required. Furthermore suggestions on effective handling of this epidemic disease are discussed. Resource-rich countries need to contribute more financially to international organizations like WHO that are working on eliminating MDRTB.