On August 6 and 7, SCDI, in collaboration with the Sustainable Support and Development Center (SSDC), organized a series of knowledge-sharing sessions on drug-resistant TB in Nghe An. The sessions brought together healthcare staff from Nghe An Lung Hospital and commune health centers, as well as members of the Community Network for Ending TB (CSET).

Dr. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy, Head of the Drug-Resistant TB Management Unit under Vietnam's National Tuberculosis Control Program, led the sessions, sharing updates on drug-resistant TB treatment, with a focus on identifying, managing, and responding to adverse effects and events during treatment.

Photo: Dr. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy shares updates on drug-resistant TB with healthcare staff at Nghe An Lung Hospital.

Photo: Dr. Thuy during a session with frontline healthcare staff and members of the Community Network for Ending TB (CSET).

While recent advances in drug-resistant TB treatment have shortened treatment duration and improved outcomes, patients can still face challenges beyond the treatment regimen itself. Geographic distance, paperwork, and healthcare procedures can all affect their treatment journey and access to services.

Drawing on their experience supporting TB patients, CSET members shared challenges they encounter when supporting people receiving drug-resistant TB treatment. These exchanges helped healthcare staff gain a broader understanding of the challenges patients face and created space for participants to discuss practical responses suited to the local context.