El Paso, TX, May 14, 2012 (PAHO/WHO) – Currently, the spread of tuberculosis is reaching alarming levels; almost one third of the world population is infected with it, that is why it is a priority for the government, binational entities and agencies to implement multilateral policies coordinated by public health. In order to monitor the improvement in the coordination of management of patients infected on the United States-Mexico border, the United States -Mexico Border Health Commission supported by several organizations held the 3rd United States-Mexico Border Tuberculosis Consortium and Legal Forum Meeting. The forum was held on May 7 and 8, 2012 at the Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
To address this situation of international concern Mexico and the U.S. have held two previous meetings, one in San Diego, California in 2011 and another in Mexico City during the past month of April, which have been addressed and discussed extensively legal considerations and public health. On this occasion, the purpose of the meeting had six goals: continuity of care and higher rates of identification of treatment between TB patients on both sides of the border, the improved coordination of management of patients with TB in a variety of legal frames at state and federal levels in both countries, the establishment of uniform standards for meeting and reception, plus the lineaments that apply to all TB patients deported to Mexico, a better understanding of the treatment regimens TB with comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS, to develop an action plan to facilitate the achievement of objectives and establish the consolidation of working groups to continue the treatment of TB in the United States-Mexico border and legal issues of TB.
During the forum, legal and public health experts on the border region discussed the importance of reporting cases of TB and the binational treatment given to patients infected with this disease, as well as the structuring of communication protocols and procedures that serve to identify and effectively treat these patients. It is intended that the groups formed, follow up according to their experience and commit to work together to combat the problems associated with TB on the border region.
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For more information please contact:
Lorely Ambriz, M.S.I.S, Knowledge Management & Communication
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / A Regional Office of the World
Health Organization (WHO) United States-Mexico Border Office
5400 Suncrest Dr. Ste. C-4 El Paso, TX 79912
Office (915) 845-5950 Ext. 42523 / Cel (915) 449-3040 / Fax (915) 845-4361
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