Ukraine is employing groundbreaking methods in tuberculosis treatment, slashing recovery time by threefold

Today, Ukraine is pioneering cutting-edge methods in tuberculosis treatment. Henceforth, patients afflicted with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, a strain resistant to at least two of the most potent anti-tuberculosis medications, can now expect to be effectively cured within 6 to 9 months, a remarkable improvement from the previous 18-24-month timeline.

Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, Ihor Kuzin, unveiled these advancements during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform. 

“Today, Ukraine boasts a robust array of innovative strategies and resources for accessing contemporary, efficacious treatment. We’ve diligently adhered to updated WHO protocols for years, ensuring our treatment regimens and preventive measures align with the highest European and global benchmarks. Consider multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, for instance, which previously necessitated a grueling 18 to 24-month treatment period. Now, thanks to cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, we can achieve a cure in just 6 to 9 months,” remarked the official.

Specifically, as highlighted by Ihor Kuzin, among the latest tuberculosis treatment protocols is BPaL, utilized both in Ukraine and globally.

“These innovative drugs are proving highly effective in practice, with treatment durations averaging between 6 to 9 months, tailored to individual clinical needs,” explained the Deputy Minister. He highlighted that the implementation of these drugs in Ukraine began with a pilot project and has since transitioned to routine use, yielding promising results. 

Mr. Kuzin underscored significant shifts in tuberculosis incidence rates, particularly in hospitalization and diagnostic methodologies. He emphasized the robustness of the healthcare system, facilitated by the National Health Service of Ukraine, which boasts a network of regional centers of phthisiology and pulmonology offering specialized care. Additionally, primary healthcare services, including outpatient management by family physicians, are readily accessible.

“The system now delivers effective, high-quality, and crucially, cost-free care to patients,” Ihor Kuzin added.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news