[Tuberculosis control in Senegal: update on care services and recommendations for improvement].
The goal of this study was to evaluate tuberculosis control in Senegal especially with regard to organization, quality, and availability of care services. Study was carried out from January to October 2002 within the framework of the National Turberculosis Control Program (NTCP) in 10 public hospitals and 8 private facilities including 4 doctors' offices, 2 company medical dispensaries, and 2 medical laboratories. Case observations were collected at the same time as surveying of diagnostic and therapeutic departments. In addition NTCP records for the period from 2000 to 2001 were searched. The reporting rate of new cases confirmed by positive smears is still low in Senegal, (62/100 000 inhabitants). Reporting is particularly low in rural areas where a clear-cut male predominance was observed. The cure rate also remains low (mean, 62%) mainly due to failure to complete treatment (28%). This situation contrasts with the extensive resources that have been devoted to diagnosis and treatment including field units for diagnosis (76 laboratories) and treatment (68 centers). These facilities are well integrated into the healthcare system and distributed nation-wide and provide effective care free of charge. The findings of this study demonstrate that there are serious impediments to control of tuberculosis in Senegal. Recommendations are made at various levels based on the results of problem analysis and are used to develop new management strategies aimed at improving NTCP performance indicators in Senegal.
Thiam
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Travail du Programme Tuberculose UR 36, de l'Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), Dakar- Sénégal, Fann, Dakar, Sénégal. syllath@ird.sn
Massi
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Ndir
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Diop
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AH
Bâ
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Lienhardt
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C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012675:Senegal; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy