China sees success tackling TB

By Ania Lichtarowicz
BBC Health reporter

The TB epidemic is on the rise across Asia

The number of TB cases has fallen by a third in parts of China where WHO-approved treatment programmes have been implemented.

The data was published in the medical journal The Lancet and suggests China could significantly cut TB as part of a wider global effort.

Almost 1.5 million people are newly diagnosed with TB each year in China - more cases than in any other country except India - a number very likely to increase.

The WHO-approved DOTS ("directly-observed treatment, short-course") scheme relies heavily on health workers who ensure patients take their antibiotics properly, as they often stop treatment too early increasing the chances of drug resistance.

Results from 13 provinces using DOTS programmes were compared with areas which did not follow the DOTS strategy.

In just under 10 years, the number of TB cases in the DOTS provinces was 32% lower.

The Chinese government has committed to expanding the scheme to cover 100% of the country by next year.

To ensure that this fall in TB is seen country-wide, the authorities will have to train many staff and improve the health care infrastructure to cope with demand.