site.btaBulgaria Sees Drop in Tuberculosis Cases, Free Screening Campaign Begins

As a result of the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme, a sustained decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis is reported - from 23.2 per 100,000 population in 2014 to 13.5 per 100,000 population in 2024, said the Health Ministry on its website.

An Open Doors Week campaign for free tuberculosis consultations and check-ups has started. Monday marks World TB Day and this year's Open Doors Week is under the slogan "Yes! We can stop TB! Commitments, investments, results!".

Tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment facilities in regional cities will participate in the campaign, which starts today and runs until March 28. The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis and strengthen efforts to fight the global tuberculosis epidemic, the Ministry said.

The full list of health facilities where the free screenings will take place is published on the Ministry’s website.

Data suggest that Open Doors Week provides good case detection of tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection. During the 2022-2024 campaigns, 14,689 persons were surveyed, of whom 176 were referred for tuberculosis treatment and 412 were detected with latent tuberculosis infection and covered with chemoprophylaxis.

In Bulgaria, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis are free, regardless of the health insurance status of the citizens.

According to the World Health Organization, 79 million people have been cured of tuberculosis since 2000. In 2023, nearly 10.8 million people worldwide have contracted tuberculosis. The disease mostly affects adults in their most productive years, yet all age groups are at risk.