Experts stress roll-out of advanced treatment to eradicate drug-resistant tuberculosis

Bangla Press Desk:  A high-level stakeholder consultation meeting was held on Tuesday on deploying the “advanced, short-term BPaL/M treatment regimen” for accelerating the eradication of tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in Dhaka South.

The new regimen significantly reduces the treatment duration for drug-resistant TB to six months from the 20 months required in the currently available option. It is also oral-based, removing the troubles of administering injections.

The meeting, organized by Dhaka South City Corporation with technical support from Nari Maitree and TB Alliance under the "Fast Track the Cure" initiative, took place at the Nagar Bhaban Conference Room.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Mahbubul Hassan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while CEO Md Zahirul Islam presided over the session. The meeting was also attended by Mohi Uddin Ahmed, assistant director (TBC), along with other senior officials from the government health department’s (DGHS) Mycobacterial Disease Control (MBDC) unit and the National TB Control Program (NTP).

A significant highlight of the event was the virtual participation of international experts from the TB Alliance.

Joining online from the US, Salah Foraida, senior director of Medical Affairs at TB Alliance, presented global technical data on BPaL/M. He noted, "This 6-month injection-free regimen has revolutionised TB care globally. Its implementation in Bangladesh will play a pivotal role in ending the long-term suffering of patients."

Also participating virtually, Akshaya Patil, market access manager at TB Alliance, discussed strategies to ensure the accessibility of the BPaL/M regimen and emphasised the importance of maintaining a sustainable supply chain at the policy level.

DSCC Administrator Md Mahbubul stated, "Ensuring public health is a prerequisite for building a 'Smart Dhaka.' Tuberculosis is a social challenge, and DSCC will provide all necessary administrative support to bring the modern BPaL/M treatment to the ward level."

Special Guest Professor Dr Shah Ali Akbar Ashrafi, former director at the Directorate General of Health Services, highlighted the medical breakthrough, saying, "The conventional 20-month long-term treatment for Drug-Resistant TB has now been reduced to just 6 months through the BPaL/M regimen. Being injection-free, it is much more comfortable for patients. We are working in close coordination with Nari Maitree and TB Alliance to make this treatment even more patient-friendly."

Shaheen Akter Dolly, executive director of Nari Maitree, emphasised that the role of City Corporation officials and volunteers is vital in detecting TB cases in densely populated urban areas. She reiterated that Nari Maitree and TB Alliance are committed to providing technical support to the National TB Control Program (NTP) to ensure this modern treatment reaches marginalised communities.

The meeting saw participation from the Chief Health Officer of DSCC, Zonal Executive Officers, senior officials from the NTP, and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). During the open discussion, participants stressed the need for an integrated action plan to eliminate the social stigma and barriers surrounding TB detection at the local level.

The event concluded with all stakeholders signing a joint declaration expressing their commitment to transforming Dhaka into a TB-free city.

BP/SP