 |
Search : | ||
|
|||
News
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Red
Cross Red Crescent caregivers playing vital role in TB control 24 March 2005 The Red Cross Red Crescent model of treatment for tuberculosis is proving increasingly successful in combating the disease, as well as playing a crucial role in overcoming stigma towards those who suffer from TB, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on World TB Day. A new study, carried out in 2004 in the Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, showed that 93 per cent of patients under the observation of Red Crescent nurses completed their course of treatment – a figure far in excess of the average of around 80 per cent, and all the more impressive given that the Red Cross Red Crescent seeks to assist the most vulnerable and marginalized sufferers. The survey also confirmed that Red Crescent educational work played a key role in motivating patients to continue the treatment. The survey revealed high levels of stigma, with the stereotypical image of a TB sufferer being a middle-aged, unemployed, alcoholic male stubbornly persisting. Some 89 per cent of respondents believed that TB patients should be isolated for the duration of their treatment. Furthermore, the survey revealed that, outside that provided by the Red Crescent, there was a lack of information about the disease. “There is a worryingly high level of stigma and discrimination towards TB patients. This kind of attitude among the public, compounded by a lack of reliable information, makes it harder for people to seek help and complete their treatment,” says Dr Vadim Kadyrbaev, Vice-president of the Kazakhstan Red Crescent. “The role of our visiting nurses and volunteers in reaching out to vulnerable people and giving them support, comfort and accurate information is vital if they are to complete their treatment and tuberculosis is to be combated successfully.” The Red Cross Red Crescent model for treating tuberculosis is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO)-promoted Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS), a six-month course of treatment recognised as being the most cost-effective and effective method of curing tuberculosis. In addition, patients under Red Cross or Red Crescent observation receive food parcels, hot meals, vitamin supplements or hygiene sets to meet their most urgent needs, facilitate their recovery and motivate them to continue their treatment. The International Federation, which has a seat on the coordinating board of the Stop TB partnership, sees its member national Societies and the treatment model they implement as a crucial component in international efforts to reduce TB mortality. It is a model that has been recognised by partners, from political decision-makers in the Russian region of Khakasia, who have agreed to fund from next year the successful Red Cross treatment project there, to the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, which is contributing funding to Red Crescent projects in the Kazakh city of Almaty, for patients with multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB, a form of the disease that often develops in patients who have interrupted their treatment. “The role of communities and Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteers in providing social support to MDR TB patients and fighting against stigma are essential components to fight against TB,” says Anne Nobles, Vice-President for Corporate Affairs for Eli Lilly. Meanwhile, public health partners on the international stage have also voiced their support: "Our partners in countries, such as national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are showing that millions of sick people can be reached and cured, even in poor or remote settings. We believe such involvement from civil society is essential if we are to make inroads in tackling this disease," says Mario Raviglione, Director of the Stop TB Department at the WHO. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Roy Probert, Information Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86 Media Service Duty Phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
