On World Tuberculosis Day, MSF urged for more drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) diagnostic testing in Pakistan. GeneXpert diagnostic testing helps identify probable TB illnesses so patients can obtain particular therapy and medication, according to the organisation.
The MSF medical team raises awareness of low DRTB patient attendance, which leads to misdiagnosis and undertreatment. MSF’s medical coordinator, Mr. Shoaib, stresses the importance of early DRTB diagnosis for successful treatment and a good prognosis.
MSF’s PMDT site in Gujranwala uses GeneXpert testing, the most widely used tool, to quickly and accurately identify TB and guide drug selection and treatment. This enhanced rifampicin resistance test is flexible, like smear microscopy, and more sensitive. MSF has worked with Pakistani medical authorities to increase case-finding and GeneXpert equipment use in healthcare. The organisation advocated for lower GeneXpert cartridge prices to increase testing capacity and fight TB.
