Dong Thap strives to end tuberculosis in the community
(DTO) According to health sector statistics, in 2025, Dong Thap Province detected 5,367 cases of tuberculosis (TB), with an estimated prevalence rate of all TB forms at approximately 153 per 100,000 people. In response to this situation, the province has been intensifying its TB prevention and control efforts.
Key focuses include community-based TB screening, admission, and treatment, alongside enhanced public awareness campaigns, aiming to eliminate tuberculosis in the province by 2030.
PROACTIVE COMMUNITY SCREENING
In recent years, the Dong Thap health sector has aggressively implemented solutions for early detection, management, and timely treatment of TB patients, contributing to the prevention of infection sources and the protection of public health.
Currently, one of the vital solutions for early TB detection actively implemented by the Dong Thap health sector, the Provincial TB Control Program, and the National TB Control Program is proactive community screening using the "2X Strategy" (X-ray and Xpert) for individuals suspected of having TB, latent TB, or those at high risk.
Annually, the Dong Thap Lung Hospital—a key unit in the Provincial TB Control Program—conducts community-based TB screening campaigns. In 2026, these campaigns are being carried out in three areas: Thanh Binh, Hong Ngu, and Tan Hong.
During these campaigns, mobile X-ray vans equipped with specialized devices such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory function monitors, along with a team of specialist doctors from the Lung Hospital, travel to communes and wards across the province to provide proactive TB screening for the residents.
Participants in the campaign receive free examinations and X-rays. In suspected cases, a GeneXpert test is performed for early detection. Those who have been in contact with TB patients undergo IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) blood tests, which are sent to the National Lung Hospital. If a TB infection is confirmed, records are established for admission and treatment in accordance with regulations.
From March 9 to March 20, 2026, the community screening campaign was conducted at 12 sites and communal health stations under the management of the Thanh Binh Regional Health Center.
Through the campaign, screening and examinations were provided to approximately 4,800 adults and children across three target groups: those with suspected TB symptoms (adults and children with persistent cough, afternoon chills and fever, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, or night sweats; and children with wheezing or prolonged fever of unknown origin); those at risk of TB (individuals with lung diseases, asthma, COPD, cancer, gastric issues, chronic kidney failure, or diabetes, with priority given to those over 60); and those who have been in contact with TB patients.
In Binh Thanh Commune, more than 400 residents and children received chest X-rays, clinical screenings for suspected symptoms, and evaluations of risk factors. Based on these assessments, IGRA tests were ordered and samples for GeneXpert testing were collected. Additionally, the campaign integrated screenings for several non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Ms. Do Thi R. (65 years old), residing in Binh Trung Hamlet, Binh Thanh Commune, shared: "I had a heavy cough and chest pain, so when I heard the commune was organizing free X-rays, my daughter brought me here. The doctor performed a chest X-ray and told me I have pneumonia. Thanks to this check-up, I now understand my health status and can receive timely treatment."
Similarly, Mr. Le Hong D. (born in 1963), residing in Binh Dinh Hamlet, Binh Thanh Commune, said: "I previously had contact with a relative suffering from pulmonary TB. Recently, I’ve had a persistent cough and chest heaviness.
Through the X-ray and examination, the doctor concluded I have suspected signs of TB and ordered further testing. Having the Dong Thap Lung Hospital doctors visit our locality has helped me detect the illness early for prompt treatment."
Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Khoa Thi, Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Lung Hospital, stated: "Beyond TB screening, the campaign also implements ECGs and respiratory function tests to detect conditions such as COPD and asthma.
Those over 60 receive blood glucose tests and health consultations on disease prevention. Furthermore, we screen for latent TB, especially among those in contact with TB patients, to provide diagnosis and initiate treatment when necessary."
Notably, during the campaign, doctors from the Dong Thap Lung Hospital personally provided health communications to the public regarding tuberculosis, how to recognize suspected symptoms, early case detection, and infection prevention. Consequently, residents have gained more knowledge about TB to proactively seek examination and treatment, contributing to the protection of both personal and community health.
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TB CASE DETECTION AND TREATMENT
Furthermore, the Dong Thap Lung Hospital has excelled in the admission and treatment of tuberculosis patients. The hospital has prioritized the expansion of its inpatient units to enhance the quality of diagnosis, early detection, treatment, and management of TB, as well as the treatment of post-TB sequelae.
Simultaneously, the hospital is developing specialized fields such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and interventional bronchoscopy. Efforts are also underway to strengthen intensive care capabilities to focus on treating severe pulmonary TB cases, while managing and monitoring treatment for patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Recently, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh N. (26 years old), residing in Binh Trung Hamlet, Binh Thanh Commune, was hospitalized for pulmonary TB treatment. She shared: "Previously, I had a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, and a poor appetite, so I went to the Dong Thap Lung Hospital for an examination and discovered I had pulmonary TB. I was shocked and worried upon learning about my illness. However, after one week of treatment at the hospital, my health has stabilized."
Tuberculosis is a dangerous and highly contagious infectious disease. It is not hereditary but caused by exposure to TB bacteria or working in toxic environments. If patients fail to detect the disease early and receive timely treatment, it can lead to fatality.
Notably, TB within the community is extremely hazardous due to its ease of transmission; if an individual with TB remains untreated in the community, they can infect many others.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Thanh (Specialist Doctor II), Director of the Dong Thap Lung Hospital and a member of the National TB Control Program, stated that TB prevention and control efforts in the province have received significant attention from the entire political system.
However, TB patients still face psychological barriers such as the fear of disclosure, self-stigma, and social discrimination. Additionally, some patients seek treatment at higher-level hospitals, making it difficult for local healthcare facilities to monitor their progress. The rise of underlying conditions—such as diabetes, gastritis, and arthritis—has increased the risk of TB among the elderly, while the rate of pulmonary TB among young people is also currently on the rise.
These factors present significant challenges to achieving the goal of eliminating tuberculosis in the province by 2030.
In response to World TB Day 2026 (March 24), themed "Integrating TB Detection with Periodic Health Check-ups for Every Citizen," the health sector calls upon all levels of government, sectors, and the public to raise awareness and proactively prevent TB to reach the 2030 elimination goal.
According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Thanh, the health sector and the Provincial TB Control Program are continuing proactive community screening campaigns to increase the detection rate to over 80%.
These screenings are conducted annually and repeated multiple times to ensure no cases in the community are overlooked.
The province is also focusing on developing specialized treatment techniques, particularly for post-TB complications such as pulmonary aspergillosis (lung fungus) and bronchiectasis, to ensure long-term health for residents.
Furthermore, the role of medical facilities in proactive detection is being strengthened, alongside intensified community communication efforts to strive toward the goal of ending TB in the province by 2030.
By MY XUYEN
Translated by X.QUANG
