On March 21, Hai Phong Lung Hospital, in collaboration with SCDI, organized a conference to review TB prevention efforts in 2024 and set priorities for 2025 to celebrate 2025 World TB Day. The event welcomed Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Quang - Director of Hai Phong Department of Health, Dr. Vu Ngoc Truong - Director of Hai Phong Lung Hospital, representatives from SCDI, and officials from district and city health centers and general hospitals.

Photo: Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Quang, Director of Hai Phong Department of Health, speaks at the conference

Photo: Dr. Vu Ngoc Truong, Director of Hai Phong Lung Hospital, speaks at the event

Hai Phong, with a population of over 2 million, has a moderate TB prevalence compared to the national average. Around 1,600 TB cases are detected yearly, achieving over 90% of the target and 60-65% of the estimated epidemiological burden. Of those diagnosed, 85-90% completed treatment.

In 2024, 1,565 TB cases were recorded in Hai Phong, including 1,129 bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB cases. The TB incidence rate was 72 per 100,000 people, while the detection rate for new bacteriologically confirmed cases reached 108%. Additionally, 49 drug-resistant TB cases and 47 co-infected TB-HIV cases were identified.

The conference also addressed several ongoing challenges in TB prevention, such as difficulties in managing and treating patients, especially those with drug-resistant TB, a higher-than-average treatment dropout rate, and limited efforts in detecting pediatric TB, leading to a low number of diagnosed cases among children.

SCDI has been a key partner in Hai Phong’s fight against TB, working closely with the Lung Hospital to drive community-based interventions. Their efforts have focused on screening high-risk groups and connecting them with timely medical services, implementing initiatives like the DRIVE-TB project to eliminate TB among people who inject drugs, and strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) through training in communication, counseling, and patient referrals. By fostering collaboration between hospitals, TB control teams, and community groups, SCDI has helped build a strong support network to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

Photo: Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, SCDI's Coastal Regional Coordinator, speaks at the conference

Recognizing that ending TB requires active participation from individuals, families, and organizations, SCDI remains committed to bridging the gap between communities and healthcare institutions. Building on the successes and lessons from 2024, SCDI will continue to spread awareness, support TB patients, and work towards a future free of TB.