Some 570 new cases of tuberculosis detected in Armenia in 2022

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. Some 570 new cases of tuberculosis were detected in Armenia in 2022 and 27 people died from it, according to Karen Poghosyan, the chief physician at the National Center of Pulmonology.

Speaking to reporters today, Poghosyan said in 2021 some 550 new cases had been detected and the death toll from the disease was 19.

Worldwide, he said, a total of 10 million people were infected in 2021, while the mortality rate was 1.5 million people.

According to the specialist, the lower 2021 figures were due to lower detection rates. "The Covid could simply hide the real picture of tuberculosis. On the whole, morbidity and mortality rates are constantly decreasing in Armenia. We have positive dynamics," said the chief physician.

He said several years ago the hospital used to treat 300-350 patients, currently only 56 patients with active TB receive treatment at hospitals. Of these, only 25 are infectious.

"If a patient is not infectious the treatment strategy changes. The patient is returned to his place of residence, where he continues to receive medication," Poghosyan said.

The chief doctor recalled that TB treatment in Armenia is state-commissioned under a special program. -0-