TB situation in Albania, 2001-2008.

SETTING: Albania, population 3.4 million. OBJECTIVE: To describe DOTS (directly observed treatment-short course chemotherapy) implementation, treatment outcomes and epidemiological situation in Albania from 2001 to 2008. DESIGN: DOTS strategy was introduced in 2001 and gradually expanded. A retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes and epidemiological data on TB patients was analyzed for this period. RESULTS: DOTS was expanded to 76% of the country in 2008. Treatment success among new smear-positive patients ranged from 82% in 2001 to 86% in 2007. The incidence of TB in Albania decreased from 17 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2001 to 12/100,000 in 2008 and estimated case detection for smear positive cases improved from 42% in 2001 to 75% in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: The TB incidence has fallen progressively since DOTS was initiated. Treatment outcome was better in DOTS areas compared to Non-DOTS areas and overall treatment outcome was improved during DOTS implementation. Despite gradually, DOTS was successfully implemented and full expansion is necessary.