In Kherson, a new approach to tuberculosis treatment has been introduced

A new initiative of the All-Ukrainian Penitentiary Network has managed to unite public figures, representatives of religious organisations, and medical staff for one goal — increasing the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment in the Kherson Tuberculosis Dispensary.

The real scale of the spread of tuberculosis in Ukraine is activating not only doctors responsible for treatment and prevention but also representatives of non-governmental and religious organisations to counter the epidemic. Each of them is developing and introducing their own approaches in the fight against tuberculosis. Some take care of conducting thorough chemotherapy treatment, others conduct informational-educational events to increase patients’ awareness of the need for high adherence to medication intake. Others are convinced that without healing the spirit, it will be impossible to cure the body. The All-Ukrainian Penitentiary Network, by providing assistance to persons undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in penitentiary institutions and after their release, decided to unite all approaches. To this end, support groups for patients who have been released from places of deprivation of liberty are held every Tuesday at the Kherson Tuberculosis Dispensary. The organisation’s activists have developed a programme thanks to which participants receive not only informational but also material support. Hospital staff are also involved in group communication, informing participants about various aspects of treatment.

Pastoral work is carried out by representatives of the local religious community. On the whole, this approach proved to be in demand among hospital patients. More than 20 participants regularly come to these meetings, most of whom were released from institutions of the penal system of the Kherson region.

In the opinion of the initiators of such an approach, it is the joint activity of all interested parties that will be able to lead to a change in the behaviour of patients towards a more responsible attitude to treatment and their health. This, in turn, will ensure an increase in the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment in the Kherson Tuberculosis Dispensary.