Tuberculosis in Cameroon (2003-2008)

ABSTRACT

Background Cameroon re-established a National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTCP) in 1997.The NTCP was restructured and recognized as a priority programme in 2002. Objective to present the organisation of the NTPC and the evaluation of its control activities from 2003 to 2008 after it's restructure. Design information and data were collected from TB policy documents of the Ministry of Health and from annual activity reports of the NTCP and analysed. Major achievements in TB control are highlighted and weaknesses and gaps identified .Results- The NTCP in a vertical programme with its activities organized at three levels .Forms 2003 to 2008; the number of detected smear positive pulmonary TB (ss+PTB) cases increased from 10;661 to 14;232 and that of TB from of 16;478 to 25;107 cases .The treatment success rate for new ss+PTB cases rose from 73in 76in 2007.The TB/HIV co-infection rate in 2008 was 40and 36for all forms of TB and for new ss+ PTB cases respectively. TB in prison is a major public health problem and multi -drug resistant TB (MDR-TR) is emerging .Several weaknesses and gaps in the programme have been identified. Conclusion: The activities of the NTCP from 2003 have been quite successful particularly in the area of the detection of new ss+PTB cases which has suppassed the 70target set by the programme.Treatment success rates even though improving fall below the 85NTCP target. The NTCP has several weaknesses and gaps which have to be tackled to make it more efficient. However the most important challenge remains a reliable source of funding to guarantee the programme's activities