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In the Americas, more than 50,000 people – almost half of them under the age of 15, do not
know they have the disease and have not been treated. The use of rapid molecular diagnostic
tests, a new tool that could help closed the gap, was used in just 13% of diagnosed cases, up
slightly from 9% in 2016.

TB treatment has saved thousands rof lives. However, in the last five years 75% of patients has
a successful treatment, which is below the 90% target set for 2030. It is therefore recommended
that countries improve patient monitoring to ensure treatment adherence (8.6% abandon

treatment), among other issues.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis also represents a serious threat, with an estimated 11,000
people in the Region currently affected by this form of the disease. The treatment success rate
in these cases falls to 56%.

To accelerate progress towards TB elimination, particularly in countries with the greatest
disease burden, PAHO recommends: accelerating the implementation of rapid molecular
diagnostic tests; promoting tracing contacts of people with TB, particularly those under the age
of 15; accelerating the implementation of new medicines; securing national funding rather than

depending on external funds; working with vulnerable populations that require a special
approach; and having the active participation of civil society.

http://www.awe24.com/20190321/35227/PAHO_Countries_of_the_Americas_c

an_end_tuberculosis_by_2030_if_actions_to