TB is a serious and contagious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. In 2023 alone, it claimed 1.25 million lives worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and effective treatment, especially in high-risk regions like Afghanistan.

Making an Impact in Nimroz and Helmand

In response to this crisis, Relief International, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been working tirelessly to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of TB across Afghanistan.

Last year, our teams screened over 31,000 individuals in Nimroz and Helmand provinces, where access to healthcare is particularly limited. More than 2,000 cases were diagnosed and treated using Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS), a highly effective method that ensures patients complete their medication regimen. This approach achieved a remarkable 95% success rate in curing TB cases.

DOTS treatment lasts between three and nine months, during which health workers closely monitor patients to ensure they take their medication consistently—a crucial step in preventing drug-resistant TB strains.

As part of our integrated healthcare approach, all TB patients were screened for HIV, a condition that significantly increases the risk of severe TB.

Additionally, our contact tracing efforts identified over 3,000 children who had been exposed to TB. To prevent infection, these children were placed on Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT), an essential treatment that reduces the risk of TB transmission among vulnerable populations.

A Commitment to Saving Lives

At Relief International, we are committed to strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system and expanding access to lifesaving treatments for TB and other critical illnesses. Through collaborative efforts with global partners like UNDP, we continue to work toward a future where everyone—regardless of location—has access to essential healthcare services.
Join Us in the Fight Against TB

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, but with early detection, effective treatment, and dedicated healthcare workers, we can turn the tide against this disease. Your support helps us reach more people in need. Join us in our mission to provide lifesaving healthcare to those who need it most.