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The Sixteenth National Tuberculosis Research Conference has opened in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State. The conference, which takes place from 22-24 March 2022, brings together researchers and policy makers from higher learning institutions, partner organizations and neighboring countries.
Inaugurating the Conference, State Minister of Health Dr.Ayele Teshome noted that whereas Ethiopia has made major strides in TB prevention and control over the years, conflict and drought, and the resulting disruption in health service delivery posed significant challenges.
Dr.Ayele called on participants to double their commitment and effort in maintaining the gains made in TB control so far.
The State Minister said Ethiopia has equipped health facilities with state-of-the-art TB diagnostic equipment to make treatment accessible to those who need it under a five year national TB prevention and control plan.
Mr.Taye Leta, TB Case Team Coordinator at the Ministry of Health (MoH) indicated 151,000 TB patients exist in Ethiopia, out of which about 140,000 have been diagnosed/identified, while 40,000 cases remain at large.
Ethiopia was among 30 countries worldwide highly affected by drug-resistant TB, Mr.Taye noted adding that it has now been removed from the list, is among the five highly successful countries who have made major strides in the management of drug-resistant TB. Still, over 19,000 Ethiopians die each year due to TB.
On the occasion, the state minister launched the 3rd edition of the National TB Research Roadmap, which will be implemented from 2022-2026.