Final Report: Tuberculosis Control and Prevention in Georgia

Initial assessments conducted in the country identified TB as a major public health concern, with a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The program's primary goal was to reduce the incidence of TB and MDR-TB in the country. Implementation focused on three key interventions: TB case detection, TB treatment, and TB prevention. The program established a network of TB diagnostic centers and treatment facilities across the country. TB case detection was improved through the use of molecular diagnostic techniques, such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF. The program also implemented a system for tracking TB patients and monitoring their treatment outcomes. TB treatment was provided through a combination of directly observed therapy (DOTS) and community-based treatment. The program also implemented a system for monitoring TB treatment outcomes and identifying patients who were at risk of defaulting on their treatment. TB prevention was achieved through the implementation of infection control measures in healthcare facilities and the promotion of TB awareness among the general public. The program also focused on the prevention and control of latent TB infection (LTBI). LTBI testing was conducted using the Mantoux test, and patients who tested positive were treated with isoniazid. The program also implemented a system for monitoring LTBI treatment outcomes and identifying patients who were at risk of developing active TB. The program's geographic focus was on the entire country, with a particular emphasis on high-risk areas. The program's timeframes were from 2015 to 2020, with a mid-term evaluation conducted in 2018. The evaluation revealed a significant reduction in TB incidence and MDR-TB prevalence in the country. The program's recommendations included the continued implementation of TB case detection and treatment services, as well as the expansion of TB prevention and control measures. The program also recommended the continued use of molecular diagnostic techniques for TB diagnosis and the implementation of a system for monitoring TB treatment outcomes. Additionally, the program recommended the expansion of LTBI testing and treatment services, as well as the implementation of a system for monitoring LTBI treatment outcomes. The program's results showed a significant reduction in TB incidence and MDR-TB prevalence in the country. The program's success was attributed to the effective implementation of TB case detection and treatment services, as well as the expansion of TB prevention and control measures. The program's recommendations were based on the results of the mid-term evaluation and were aimed at further reducing TB incidence and MDR-TB prevalence in the country.