Tuberculosis has been present in humans since ancient times. The oldest known human remains showing signs of tuberculosis infection are 9,000 years old. In the past, tuberculosis as also been called consumption, because it actually seemed to consume people from within.
The World Health Organization (WHO) tells us that one third of the world’s population is infected with Tuberculosis (TB). The disease remains an important health problem in Belize nd drug resistant strains are of particular concern. TB is a chronic and endemic health problem in Belize. This re-emerging disease is hallmarked by social, cultural, ethical, legal and labor related challenges. Belizeans in the most productive age group comprise the larger proportion of those infected. The challenge of this ancient disease is complicated by the burden it places on the most vulnerable groups in ur society.
We must integrate and harmonize our national efforts. As the spread of the disease is complicated by many
factors, so must our response be multi-sectoral. Aided by our partners in health, the Ministry will continue to
strengthen its programme through surveillance, improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatment and care.
In view of the increasing numbers of tuberculosis cases seen in the CAREC member countries, the need for improving systems for management and control of the disease is recognized. The manual of procedures for tuberculosis control takes a rational approach in guiding health-care professionals of these countries in the prevention and control of tuberculosis. The approach underscores the need for implementing the Stop TB Partnership Strategy. Building on current achievements, the strategy focuses on the targets for tuberculosis control in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) which should be achieved by the year 2015. Implementation of the strategy should therefore ensure equitable access to care by abiding to international standards regardless of age, whether from public or a private care provider, infectious or non-infectious, with or without HIV or drug resistant tuberculosis.
The procedures are based on the current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)
Treatment of Tuberculosis: Guidelines for National Programmes, 3rd Edition, 2003. Recording and
reporting tools have been adapted from versions revised by WHO. Technical input regarding treatment
and care was taken from Clinical Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Persons with HIV Infection in
the Caribbean (Unpublished, 2006) and CAREC’s Laboratory Division.
