Lab Med Online.  2017 Jul;7(3):94-102. 10.3343/lmo.2017.7.3.94.

Current Status of Standard Diagnostics and Treatment for Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis in Myanmar

• Han ET
• Lee JS
• Cheong JH
• Chang CL
• Nyunt MH
• Aung WW
• Kyaw YY
• Thant KZ

• KMID: 2383087
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3343/lmo.2017.7.3.94

Abstract

Malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis are common and notorious infectious diseases in Myanmar. Despite intensive efforts to control these diseases, their prevalence remains high. For malaria, which is a vector-borne disease, a remarkable success in the reduction of new cases has been achieved. However, the annual number of tuberculosis cases has increased over the last few decades, and the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis infection has been high in Myanmar and other nearby countries. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to control these diseases. We have devoted our research efforts to understanding the status of these infectious diseases and working towards their eventual elimination for the last four years with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency. In the modern era, an infection that develops in one geographical area can spread globally because national borders do not effectively limit disease transmission. Our efforts to understand the status of infectious diseases in Myanmar will benefit not only Myanmar but also neighboring countries such as Korea.

Keyword

Myanmar; Malaria; Tuberculosis; Hepatitis

MeSH Terms

Communicable Diseases
Hepatitis*
International Cooperation
Korea
Malaria*
Myanmar*
Prevalence
Tuberculosis*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Trends of malaria morbidity and mortality rates in Myanmar (1990–2013) (Health in Myanmar 2014, Ministry of Health, Myanmar) [1].

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  Fig. 2. Changes in malaria risk areas in Myanmar, 1990 vs. 2013 [1].

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  Fig. 3. Trends of tuberculosis case notifications (1994–2013). Health in Myanmar 2014, Ministry of Health, Myanmar. SS+, sputum smear positive; SS neg, sputum smear negative; EP, extrapulmonary tuberculosis [1].

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  Fig. 4. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes (2012 cohort, N=443) (National Tuberculosis Program, Myanmar, Annual Report 2013) [19].

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  Fig. 5. Number of children immunized with hepatitis B vaccine by year, Southeast Asia Region, 2003–2010 [24].

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