The new National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Israel, a country of high immigration
METHODS: Each component of the new strategy was scrutinised, aspects that did not function well were identified and how we contended with these issues is described. Analysis of outcome of treatment was according to WHO/IUATLD definitions.
RESULTS: Better and clearer organisation of TB treatment in all its aspects, including cultural sensitivity, has been obtained. Compliance improved from less than 27% for successful outcome before the new programme to more than 75% after. In addition to the improvement in completion rates, the universal use of directly observed treatment has ensured enhanced adherence.
CONCLUSION: Using legislative, administrative and bud-getary measures, as well as clinical guidelines published by the Ministry of Health, the TB infrastructure in Israel has been successfully reorganised. The decision to do so was not only clinically and organisationally justifiable, it is also economically viable.
Keywords: DOTS; Israel; immigration; treatment policy; tuberculosis epidemiology
Document Type: Regular Paper
Affiliations: 1: Department of Tuberculosis and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; and Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel 2: Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel 3: Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel 4: Department of Tuberculosis and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; and Centre for Lung Disease, Clalit Health Services, Haifa, Israel
Publication date: 01 September 2003
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