PREPACKED KITS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS IN FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

Setting: After the outbreak of armed conflicts in the republics of former Yugoslavia in 1991, basic health services deteriorated and shortages of essential medical supplies occurred. The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken part in emergency relief operations in the area since July 1992. There was a growing concern that poor living conditions and shortages of supplies could rapidly increase the tuberculosis problem. Objective: To provide essential supplies, WHO included support of tuberculosis control in the emergency relief operations for former Yugoslavia. Design: WHO designed a prepacked kit with anti-tuberculosis drugs and material for sputum smear examination for use in combination with policy recommendations and a treatment protocol. Results: The initial distribution of the kits was completed by the end of April 1994. Medium term support from May 1994 onwards has included continued distribution of kits, together with assistance in adjusting tuberculosis control programmes according to the recommended WHO policy package. Conclusion: Support of tuberculosis control with essential supplies and strictly focusing on priority measures is proposed as the most adequate strategy, when dealing with a developed country dependent on humanitarian assistance.