Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT)

The MDR-TB Program in Pakistan, supervised by the NTP-Pakistan, aims to address the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB through a comprehensive approach. The key objectives of the program include:

• Early Detection and Diagnosis:
  • Strengthen diagnostic capacity using advanced tools like Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, Xpert MTB/XDR, and Line Probe Assay (LPA). 
  • Ensure timely identification of MDR-TB cases to initiate prompt treatment.
• Effective Treatment and Management:
  • Provide free, standardized, and quality-assured treatment for MDR-TB patients.
  • Introduce newer drugs (e.g., Bedaquiline, Delamanid, & Pretomanid), and shorter regimens (e.g., BPaL, BPaLM, & STR) for better outcomes.
  • Ensure Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to improve the compliance & adherence. 
• Prevention of Transmission: 
  • Implement infection control measures in healthcare facilities and communities.
  • Conduct contact tracing to identify and screen high-risk individuals.
• Strengthening Health Systems:
  • Enhance laboratory networks for rapid and accurate diagnosis. 
  • Train healthcare workers in MDR-TB case management.
  • Improve drug supply chain management to prevent stockouts.
• Community Engagement and Awareness:
  • Conduct public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote early healthcare-seeking behavior. 
  • Engage community health workers in patient support and follow-up.
• Surveillance and Monitoring:
  • Strengthen TB surveillance systems for real-time data collection.
  • Monitor treatment outcomes (success rates, LTFU, deaths) to assess program effectiveness. 
• Partnerships and Funding:
  • Collaborate with international organizations (WHO, Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership) for technical and financial support. 
  • Mobilize domestic resources to sustain the program. 

Pakistan’s MDR-TB program aligns with the WHO’s End TB Strategy and aims to reduce the burden of drug-resistant TB through early detection, effective treatment, and preventive measures.