Tanzania reduces TB treatment duration to six months

TANZANIA—Tanzania has rolled out an improved tuberculosis treatment program that slashes recovery time by half, according to Dr Leonard Subi, Director of Kibong’oto Infectious Diseases Hospital (KIDH) in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region.

 Patients now complete their treatment in six months rather than the previous nine to twelve months, marking a significant advancement in the country’s fight against TB.

Dr Subi credits the Ministry of Health for spearheading this initiative, which uses medications approved by the World Health Organisation.

The hospital director recently outlined these developments while discussing progress in TB treatment services across the nation.

National Implementation and Oversight

The new regimen initially launched at twelve health facilities nationwide, with ongoing evaluations tracking patients enrolled in the program.

KIDH has received the national mandate to oversee the establishment, capacity building, and overall implementation of this shortened treatment approach.

“Tanzania stands among the countries pioneering this short-term TB treatment regimen,” Dr Subi explained. The program operates through collaboration between KIDH experts, WHO specialists, USAID, and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme under the Ministry of Health.

Financial Relief for Patients

Wazoeli Mshana, KIDH Social Welfare Officer, emphasized how government support has eased the burden on patients, particularly those battling chronic TB.

Treatment costs range between 12 million Tanzanian shillings (USD4,600) and 15 million shillings (USD5,750) per patient, driven largely by the six to nine-month hospitalization period required for chronic cases.

Mshana praised LHL International Institute for partnering with the government to address essential needs of TB patients receiving care at KIDH.

The collaboration ensures patients access necessary support throughout their treatment journey.

Patient Perspectives

Emmanuel Mazengo, speaking on behalf of fellow TB patients at the hospital, thanked the government for covering treatment expenses.

“The cost of TB treatment is very high. One wonders what would have happened to patients who cannot afford it if the government had not stepped in,” Mazengo said.

The government’s commitment to fully funding TB treatment has transformed healthcare accessibility for patients who would otherwise face insurmountable financial barriers while seeking life-saving care.