Montenegro Reports 58 Tuberculosis Cases in 2024, Challenges Remain

The health system in Montenegro has reported a total of 58 cases of tuberculosis for the year 2024. This data, confirmed by the Special Hospital for Lung Diseases in Brezovik, indicates a slight decline compared to previous years, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. The full statistics for this year will be compiled and released in the first half of the following year.

The Ministry emphasized that the number of tuberculosis cases remains within expected levels, noting a gradual stabilization in the incidence rate. This improvement is attributed to ongoing monitoring, early detection, and the implementation of modern therapeutic protocols in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Montenegro maintains a Tuberculosis Register, which has documented all cases since 2006, serving as a crucial data source for public health officials.

Challenges in Treatment and Medication Supply

Despite the positive trends, challenges remain in ensuring adequate treatment for patients. The Ministry of Health acknowledged issues related to the procurement of medications, specifically the anti-tuberculosis drug rifampicin, which is essential for both initial and extended treatment phases. According to the Ministry, temporary shortages have arisen due to limited production capacities.

Currently, patients in Montenegro are experiencing difficulties in accessing rifampicin at local pharmacies. To mitigate this issue, hospitals have been supplying the medication from their own stock. This measure ensures that treatment continuity is maintained for those receiving therapy at home. The Ministry reported that other anti-tuberculosis medications, such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, are sufficiently available, allowing for uninterrupted therapy.

The Ministry is actively collaborating with the WHO’s office in Podgorica to improve tuberculosis control in Montenegro. They highlighted a successful past resolution of medication shortages, which was facilitated by WHO support, ensuring a year’s supply of essential drugs for patients across all age groups.

Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis Control

Dr. Stevan Lučić, a microbiologist at the Special Hospital for Lung Diseases, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant repercussions on global and national tuberculosis control programs. He observed that Montenegro has maintained stable diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, reporting a consistent decline in tuberculosis cases.

The pandemic temporarily disrupted tuberculosis monitoring systems worldwide, leading to increased case numbers in many countries. In Montenegro, a notable drop in diagnosed cases was recorded in 2020 due to restricted access to healthcare facilities and the redirection of resources towards pandemic response efforts. This disruption resulted in a surge of registered patients in 2021.

Tuberculosis treatment today relies on effective antimicrobial chemotherapy using drugs known as anti-tubercular agents. In severe cases, particularly those involving resistant strains of the disease, surgical interventions may be necessary. However, Montenegro currently reports no cases requiring such interventions.

The healthcare system in Montenegro is equipped for rapid triage of patients with respiratory symptoms. Yet, the diagnosis of tuberculosis demands a specific approach, requiring clinical evaluation and microbiological testing conducted at the central laboratory in Brezovik. Montenegro’s laboratory system employs tests recommended by the WHO, ensuring a high level of diagnostic reliability.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges, Montenegro has successfully preserved a functional monitoring, diagnostic, and treatment system for tuberculosis. The combination of stable healthcare capacities, encouraging results, and a lack of reported cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis underscores the effectiveness of the country’s diagnostic and therapeutic efforts.