New initiatives to fight drug-resistant TB

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed two new initiatives to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries.

Under the first new scheme, rapid tests will allow a diagnosis in less than two days using $26.1 million (£13 million) of funding from Unitaid.

The second scheme, which will receive another $33.7 million grant, will increase the amount of drugs available from the Global Drug Facility to treat multidrug-resistant TB in 54 countries.

It is estimated by the WHO that only two per cent of multidrug-resistant TB cases are currently diagnosed and treated effectively.

Philippe Douste-Blazy, chairman of Unitaid's executive board, said: "Through the $60 million support provided by Unitaid, these projects are expected to produce significant results in diagnosing and treating patients as well as reducing drug prices and the costs of diagnosis.

"These efforts illustrate the way in which innovative financing can be deployed for health and development."

Drug-resistant TB patients in South Africa recently protested at the isolated conditions in which they were forced to live in, with over 20 patients clashing with security at a hospital near Port Elizabeth.