Spectrum of Tuberculosis in the State of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Background: To determine the incidence of
Tuberculosis in the state of AJK and to formulate
suggestion/ strategies in perspective of Millennium
Development Goals to control TB.
Methods: In this descriptive study, data was collected
from sixty Tuberculosis (TB) centres of ten districts of
Azad Jammu & Kashmir [AJK]. The patients were
registered and provided free treatment with monthly
follow ups. The average duration of treatment was eight
months with intensive phase of two and maintenance
phase of six months.
Results:There was a steady increase in the average
annual rate of tuberculosis since 1990. It was lowest in
1990 (63/100,000) and highest in 1998 (138/100,000).The
average annual rate during the last 10 years was
114.5/100,000 population. The maximum number of new
patients (Total 4829) were registered in 2004 whereas the
minimum number of patients were registered in 1990(Total
1265).
Conclusion: The incidence of TB has not declined in
the State.