Within the framework of the Global Fund Project to Fight Tuberculosis, SCDI, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Program and provincial Lung Hospitals, has launched a series of mobile community-based TB screening campaigns.

These activities aim to detect tuberculosis (TB), latent TB infection, and other respiratory diseases early, especially among high-risk populations.

Over 350 people identified with respiratory conditions in Dien Chau, Nghe An

From October 16 to 27, 2025, Nghe An Lung Hospital, in collaboration with SCDI and Dien Chau District Health Center, conducted mobile medical examinations and screenings for TB, latent TB, and respiratory diseases at 26 commune health stations across the district.

The campaign focused on high-risk groups, including individuals with a history of TB, those in close contact with pulmonary TB patients, people with prolonged respiratory symptoms, those with chronic diseases, and the elderly.

Photo: Mobile TB screening session in Dien Chau, Nghe An

After nearly two weeks of implementation, the team screened over 3,500 residents at 12 commune health stations and detected more than 350 cases with lung abnormalities (over 10%). Many of these cases were severe, but they received timely consultation and treatment.

Ms. Duyen, representative of the Central Sustainable Development Support Center (SSDC), SCDI’s partner in implementing TB screening in Nghe An, shared:

“Before the screening, we estimated that the entire district would have around seven new TB cases. But within just a few days, the number of cases detected had already exceeded the yearly target. This shows how mobile screening brings truly practical benefits to the community.”

Photo: Mobile TB screening session in Dien Chau, Nghe An

Early TB detection in Gia Lai

In Gia Lai, SCDI worked with the Pleiku Lung and Tuberculosis Hospital and the health centers of Po To, Ia Pa, and Ia Tul communes to organize a mobile TB screening campaign from October 20 - 24, 2025.

This area has a large population of ethnic minority residents who face significant challenges in transportation and access to health information.

During the campaign, 1,829 people received medical examinations and chest X-rays, and 140 sputum samples were collected, resulting in the detection of 15 TB cases in the community.

Photo: Mobile TB screening session in Gia Lai

Photo: Mobile TB screening session in Gia Lai

These figures serve as a warning that respiratory disease rates in the community remain high, especially among vulnerable groups with elevated TB risk who are not yet fully covered by preventive and treatment services.

Regular TB screening plays a crucial role in early detection, timely treatment, prevention of transmission and complications, and in protecting community health.

Together with the Community System to End Tuberculosis (CSET) Network, SCDI will continue collaborating with local health partners to expand mobile TB screening models to more areas nationwide.

These efforts not only help detect and manage TB more effectively but also raise public awareness and improve respiratory health, contributing to the long-term goal of ending tuberculosis in Vietnam.