Treatment outcome among Rwandan and Burundian refugees with sputum smear-positive tuberculosis in Ngara, Tanzania.
METHODS
Tuberculosis programme in six camps (Benaco, Musuhura, Lumasi, Lukole, Keza and Kitali) for Rwandan and Burundian refugees in Ngara district, Tanzania, where treatment was directly observed throughout.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the treatment outcome of sputum smear-positive tuberculosis cases recruited in refugee camps in Ngara, and to determine the cumulative frequency of conversion of sputum smears by direct microscopy.


METHODS
Retrospective review of tuberculosis registers from January 1995 to December 1999.


RESULTS
Of 546 patients with smear-positive tuberculosis who were notified in the programme, 363 (66.5%) had completed treatment and were bacteriologically cured after 7 months, 10.9% had died, 7.1% had defaulted and 14.5% had transferred out. Sputum conversion after the 2-month intensive phase was 88%, and increased to 99% after 7 months of chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The involvement of the Tanzania NTLP in collaboration with health NGOs has led to a satisfactory outcome. These data suggest that it is possible for tuberculosis control programmes to perform successfully in refugee settings.
Rutta
E
E
Norwegian People's Aid, Greater Lukole Camp Hospital, Ngara, Tanzania. erutta@bushlink.co.tz
Kipingili
R
R
Lukonge
H
H
Assefa
S
S
Mitsilale
E
E
Rwechungura
S
S
D002063:Burundi; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D006801:Humans; D012036:Refugees; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012432:Rwanda; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D013636:Tanzania; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control