What's New

The two-day ministerial meeting held in Delhi was essentially aimed at raising the pitch on TB and garnering political commitment to end TB by 2030. From the above perspective the meeting was a resounding success considering that nine of 11 SEA Region health ministers attended the meeting promising to end TB with renewed momentum. Two countries had high level government representation. One of the core agendas of the meeting was framing the 'Call for Action' declaration and endorsing it by Member States. The 'Call for Action' declaration was signed by all SEA Region countries in an exemplary show of unity to 'bend the curve' and end TB. 

Maternal Mortality Ratio decreased from 539/100,000 live births in 1996 (NHFS) to 258 in 2015 (WHO). Inadequate attention in improving maternal and newborn health services in remote or mountainous areas of Nepal. Both demand-side and supply-side combined package of intervention has greatest improvement in use of maternal and new born health services in remote areas.

This handbook builds on lessons learned from surveys implemented 2015-2017 and advice provided by the Global task force on TB patient cost surveys. It provides a standardized methodology for conducting health facility-based cross-sectional surveys to assess the direct and indirect costs incurred by TB patients and their households. In addition, it provides recommendations on results dissemination, engaging across sectors in policy dialogue and enabling action and related research for effective modifications in care delivery models, in patient support, and wider cross-sectoral interventions.

Everyone has talents and skills that can enrich societies and strengthen communities. Welcoming and embracing diversity in all its forms reinforces social cohesion, bringing benefits for all. Zero Discrimination Day is an opportunity to join together against discrimination and celebrate everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity. No one should be subjected to discrimination on the basis of their gender, gender identity, race, age, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or language, health status or for any other reason.

In February 2017, there were 849 new HIV antibody seropositive individuals reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP). This was 13% higher compared to the same period last year (751). Eighty-nine percent of those were asymptomatic at the time of reporting.

This International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) briefing paper provides an analysis of the current drug treatment system in China and offers recommendations for ensuring its effectiveness.

Myanmar GI and Liver Society developed guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in 2009. With the establishment of National Hepatitis Program, this guideline has been revised as the Simplified Treatment Guidelines for Hepatitis C Infection to include the recently developed direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA) and with simple procedure of Viral Load testing and clinical monitoring. This simplified guideline is essential for providing guidance on the use of oral, low cost, DAAs, with the aim to reduce the disease burden of Hepatitis C in the community. This guideline provides a clear guidance to all medical doctors for precise and quick clinical decisions with simplified clinical monitoring methods. We also aim for this guideline to be able to provide updated knowledge about the treatment and laboratory monitoring of HCV infection.

Developed by Girls Not Brides, with input from members and partners, this brief highlights why the links between child marriage and HIV must be addressed. It recommends further research, targeting and prioritising adolescent girls in HIV responses, and joined-up policy approaches to tackle both issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that the incidence of MDR/RR-TB in Myanmar was 14 (8.9-18) thousands in 2015. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has been reported since 2007 and National TB Reference Laboratory diagnosed 12 Pre XDR-TB and 14 XDR-TB patients by Second Line Solid DST in 2015. The third nationwide drug resistance survey (2012 – 2013) showed an MDR-TB rate of 5% among new cases and 27.1% among previously treated cases. In order to improve management of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and expand nation-wide programmatic management of drug-resistant TB (PMDT) in commensurate with new developments, the National Expert DR-TB committee organized meetings in 2016 to update the existing national guideline. This updated guideline has been prepared principally for use by National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) managers and staff, as well as partner organizations and all professionals, involved in delivering DR-TB care and implementing DR-TB control activities in Myanmar.

The purpose of this Manual is to guide efforts aimed at reducing TB transmission in healthcare facilities, congregate settings such as crowded prisons, hostels, factories, as well as households of TB patients and the community at large, through the implementation of evidence-based, costeffective and affordable TB-IC measures. The implementation shall be monitored closely to inform the NTP that TB-IC targets of the national strategic plan are met. To facilitate the implementation of TB-IC measures two companion documents have been developed: A Trainers’ Manual and a Job Aids Package.