TB situation in Albania, 2001 - 2008

Abstract

H. Hafizi, S. Tafaj, D. Bardhi, E. Dilko, A. Aliko
University Lung Diseases Hospital "Shefqet Ndroqi", Tirana, Albania

Contact : Hasan Hafizi, National TB Manager, University Lung Diseases. Tirana
hasanhafizi@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
Setting: Albania, population 3.4 million
Objective: To describe DOTS (directly observed treatment-short course chemotherapy) implementation, treatment outcomes and epidemiological situation in Albania from 2001 to 2008.
Design: DOTS strategy was introduced in 2001 and gradually expanded. A retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes and epidemiological data on TB patients was analyzed for this period.
Results: DOTS was expanded to 76% of the country in 2008. Treatment success among new smear-positive patients ranged from 82% in 2001 to 86% in 2007. The incidence of TB in Albania decreased from 17 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2001 to 12/100,000 in 2008 and estimated case detection for smear positive cases improved from 42% in 2001 to 75% in 2007.
Conclusions: The TB incidence has fallen progressively since DOTS was initiated. Treatment outcome was better in DOTS areas compared to Non-DOTS areas and overall treatment outcome was improved during DOTS implementation. Despite gradually, DOTS was successfully implemented and full expansion is necessary.

Key words: Albania, treatment outcomes, incidence, tuberculosis; DOTS, epidemiology.