On March 21, the Dak Lak Provincial Lung Hospital, in collaboration with SCDI, successfully held a meeting to commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025. The event focused on reviewing TB prevention efforts in 2024 and setting plans for 2025.

According to the annual report on TB prevention in Dak Lak, 858 TB patients were detected in 2024, reaching 78% of the set target. 1,018 patients received treatment, with 542 fully recovering and 425 completing their treatment. The overall treatment success rate was 95%, with new and relapsed pulmonary TB cases achieving a 95% success rate and drug-resistant TB cases reaching 100%.

Community TB screening was widely implemented using the 2X method (X-ray and Xpert testing). Out of 3,082 individuals screened, 101 showed abnormal X-ray results. Further, 138 individuals underwent Xpert testing, with 6 testing positive for TB, including 1 drug-resistant case. Additionally, 1,393 people were tested for latent TB, with 185 (13.2%) testing positive.

In 2024, SCDI collaborated with the Dak Lak Provincial Lung Hospital, the Krong Pac and Ea H’leo District Health Centers, and local commune health stations to support 67 TB patients in adhering to their treatment. Among them, 40 successfully completed treatment, while the remaining patients will continue receiving support in 2025. Additionally, to ease the financial burden of TB treatment, SCDI provided direct financial assistance to 13 patients, helping them stay committed to their treatment plans.

Photo: Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Thuong, SCDI's Project Officer in Dak Lak, presents at the meeting

Through the Community System to End TB (CSET), SCDI organized 44 small-group knowledge-sharing sessions for patients' families and communities, reaching 342 participants. These sessions focused on basic TB knowledge, treatment procedures at local health facilities, and raising awareness about TB prevention.

SCDI conducted two capacity-building training sessions for CSET members in Krong Pac and Ea H’leo districts and worked with local hospitals and health centers to evaluate and improve TB patient support activities.

A highlight of the event was the sharing session by CSET members about their challenges and successes in helping patients commit to treatment. One of the most inspiring stories came from Ms. Pham Thi Thao Tam, a CSET member from Ea H’leo. Having witnessed a loved one suffer from TB stigma, she dedicated herself to supporting TB patients. Her efforts have helped three TB patients overcome social stigma, including Nay L., a patient from Ea Sol Commune who once lost all hope in fighting TB. Thanks to Tâm’s encouragement, he quit smoking and drinking and stayed committed to his treatment plan, leading to significant health improvements.

Photo: Ms. Pham Thi Thao Tam, CSET member in Ea H’leo District (Dak Lak), shares about her journey of assisting TB patients

Despite ongoing challenges, the dedication of community members and local healthcare facilities remains strong. In 2025, SCDI will continue to intensify TB prevention efforts in Dak Lak, aiming to eliminate TB in the province and contribute to Vietnam’s national goal of ending TB.