tuberculosis
12 November 2007
The Department of Health would like to emphasise that all confirmed
extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) patients should be referred to
multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) unit for hospitalisation until they
are smear negative, which usually takes six months or longer.
This approach is critical to minimise the risk of transmission of XDR-TB to
family members, friends and members of the community.
After smear-conversion, the patients can be discharged for ambulatory care
at the nearest health facility with ongoing treatment and psychosocial support
provided. This will require strengthening of community based care and follow up
systems at community level.
The Department of Health holds the position that enforced hospitalisation or
quarantine of patients with XDR-TB is only justifiable as a last resort within
a human rights framework after all reasonable voluntary measures to isolate the
patient have failed.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 012 312 0763
Fax: 012 325 5526
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
12 November 2007
