Chinese doctors in Zanzibar have played a pivotal role in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis in Tanzania, demonstrated by the recovery of patient Seif Hassan Mbarouk. With the support of the 34th Chinese medical team, there has been notable progress in TB management, though challenges such as late diagnosis and public awareness remain. The WHO highlights improvements in Tanzania’s TB incidence and mortality rates while emphasizing the need for comprehensive health system investments to combat TB effectively.
Chinese medical professionals have significantly aided Tanzanian youths in combating drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), as evidenced by the experiences of Seif Hassan Mbarouk, a TB patient in Zanzibar. Mbarouk, who was diagnosed with drug-resistant TB five months ago, attributes his recovery to the timely intervention from the 34th batch of the Chinese medical team at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, where he received standardized treatment. Mbarouk’s progress has not only improved his health but has also inspired hope among fellow patients and local health workers in the ongoing battle against TB, especially its drug-resistant forms.
Mbarouk’s health issues began with persistent coughing and headaches, leading him to seek assistance at a local health center, where he was mistakenly diagnosed with pneumonia. After receiving ineffective treatment, he was encouraged by friends to seek help from the Chinese doctors, who accurately diagnosed him with drug-resistant tuberculosis. Mbarouk now advocates for early diagnosis, emphasizing, “Do not fear the disease. With proper medication, TB is curable.”
Dr. Rashid Hassan Ali from Mnazi Mmoja Hospital highlighted the challenge of late TB diagnoses, often due to patients initially visiting remote health facilities lacking adequate medical expertise. The Chinese medical team has been instrumental in addressing this issue by not only treating patients but also enhancing the skills of local healthcare personnel through training and introducing advanced diagnostic technologies such as bronchoscopic diagnosis, previously unavailable in Zanzibar.
Chen Wei, the leader of the Chinese medical team in Zanzibar, noted that although Tanzania has made significant strides in TB management due to government and international support, challenges such as low case detection rates and inconsistent medical resources remain problematic. He indicated that drug-resistant TB is primarily attributive to improper use of antibiotics, complicating treatments and elevating costs. Furthermore, a lack of awareness surrounding TB symptoms often delays care-seeking behaviors, exacerbating the spread of the disease.
In response, the Chinese medical team has taken a proactive approach by conducting community health education campaigns and free clinics to boost awareness of TB and its prevention. Chen also pointed out the contrasts between TB treatment protocols in Tanzania and China, underscoring the benefits of a more integrated healthcare system in China, supported by national health insurance.
The World Health Organization’s latest report reveals a 40% decline in TB incidence in Tanzania and a 68% reduction in TB-related deaths since 2015, showcasing the country’s momentum toward meeting the ambitious 2025 milestone of a 50% reduction in TB incidence. This year’s World Tuberculosis Day campaign theme invites global commitment and investment towards eradicating TB, especially in vulnerable communities, further advocating for infection control, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment strategies.
The collective effort of Chinese medical teams and local health services exemplifies a critical partnership in enhancing public health responses to TB in Tanzania, paving the way for a brighter future in combating this infectious disease.
The collaborative effort between the Chinese medical team and local health workers in Zanzibar has made a profound impact on tackling drug-resistant tuberculosis. Patient Seif Hassan Mbarouk’s successful treatment underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and proper healthcare intervention. While significant progress has been made in reducing TB incidence and mortality in Tanzania, ongoing challenges such as low case detection rates and the need for improved public health awareness persist. Efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and promote early detection remains essential to combat TB effectively.
Original Source: english.news.cn
