ARCS IMPLEMENTS PROGRAM TO COMBAT TUBERCULOSIS

Noyan Tapan
March 24, 2008

YEREVAN, MARCH 24, NOYAN TAPAN. In the framework of Strengthening
National TB control programme in Armenia, the Health Department of
Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) has been implementing "Social Support
and Information to TB patients" component since June 2007. According
to a press release submitted to NT by the ARCS press service, the
goal of the programme is to encourage TB patients to finish treatment
by social support and raising awareness. It is implemented in all RA
regions in close cooperation with local TB control services.

The beneficiaries of the programme are TB patients on ambulatory
phase of treatment who continue to take in the medicaments in home
conditions. 34 social workers are involved in the programme, who
regularly visit the patients, providing them information on cause
of the disease, modes of transmission, conducive factors, symptoms,
preventive measures, general hygiene and healthy lifestyle, as
well as on importance of uninterrupted treatment. Once a month the
beneficiaries also receive parcels of food and hygiene supplies.