Over 20 leading experts and practitioners in the field of tuberculosis (TB) research and healthcare presented their research at the 3rd edition of Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) South Asia TB Day in Kathmandu, Nepal. Organized in collaboration with Nepal’s National Tuberculosis Control Centre (NTCC), this crucial scientific conference convened over 80 medical experts and academics from South Asia to exchange knowledge and reflections on challenges and breakthroughs in TB treatment and management.
The daylong event, which was spread across one keynote address and four-panel discussions, emphasized the need for increased funding, TB management in complex settings – conflict zones to densely populated Urban areas, and the latest vaccine trials to drive the conversation toward social determinants and preventive measures to create a comprehensive approach to effective TB control. Speakers at the event included Dr Prajowl Shrestha (NTCC, Nepal), Dr Banu Rekha (ICMR), Rajesh Kumar Yadav (Save the Children, Nepal), Dr Samsuddin Khan (MSF, India), Dr Ni Ni Tun (Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Myanmar), Mike Frick (Treatment Action Group, USA), Dr Saifullah Khan (MSF, Pakistan), Dr Adeel Tahir (Mercy Corps International, Pakistan), and Dr Kritika Dixit (Birat Nepal Medical Trust) among others.
Dr. Anurag Bhargava, Professor of Medicine, and Dr. Madhavi Bhargava, Associate Professor of Community Medicine delivered the keynote, both esteemed members of Yenepoya Medical College in Mangalore, India. They shared profound insights on ‘Nutritional supplementation to prevent TB incidence in household contacts of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis’. Their combined expertise and dedication have significantly contributed to advancements in TB care and public health. They have been featured in prestigious medical journals such as The Lancet for their inventive approach to combating tuberculosis.
Recognizing hurdles that geographical barriers and limited healthcare infrastructure pose in TB treatment, Dr Prajowl Shrestha, Director, NTCC Nepal says, “We are implementing innovative strategies such as mobile clinics, mobilizing community health workers, extensive awareness campaigns, and strengthening collaboration with Palika-level authorities through the TB Free Nepal Initiatives. These efforts underscore our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their geographical location, receives timely and effective TB care.”
The talks and discussions at MSF TB Day 2024 explored future-focused approaches to TB care delivery, integration of new technologies, and community-based strategies for prevention and treatment. The regional TB conference also served as a platform for the cross-fertilization of ideas and innovations in the region, as well as a space to network and forge partnerships with stakeholders of South Asian countries.
TB Day 2024 is aimed at increasing awareness about TB-related challenges and showcasing the evolving strategies that are being implemented to address them. It endeavors to play a pivotal role in mobilizing support and action towards ending the global TB epidemic.
About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Asia:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Asia is a leading humanitarian medical organization dedicated to providing life-saving healthcare and emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF operates in some of the most challenging and remote regions, delivering essential medical services impartially and without discrimination. With a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations, MSF South Asia strives to address pressing health issues, advocate for access to quality healthcare, and drive positive change in the region. Through innovative programs and collaboration with local communities, MSF South Asia continues to make a significant impact on the lives of millions, offering hope and medical relief when it is needed most.
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Related:
- MSF TB Day 2024
- TB Day
- TB Day 2024
