Montenegro Reports 58 Tuberculosis Cases in 2024, Highlights Treatment Progress

Montenegro recorded a total of 58 tuberculosis cases in 2024, according to data from the Special Hospital for Lung Diseases in Brezovik. The Ministry of Health confirmed that the number of patients remains within expected values, showing a slight trend towards stabilization in incidence rates. This progress is attributed to ongoing monitoring, early detection, and implementation of modern therapeutic protocols in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The country’s Tuberculosis Registry, established in 2006, serves as a crucial source of information, documenting all cases of active tuberculosis. The 2024 figures indicate a minor decline compared to the previous year, reinforcing the effectiveness of the surveillance and monitoring system in controlling the spread of the infection.

Challenges in Medication Supply

Despite advancements, the Ministry of Health acknowledged certain challenges in the procurement of medications. Currently, there is a shortage of rifampicin, a key drug used in both initial and extended therapy phases for tuberculosis. This scarcity arises from limited production quantities and has prompted authorities to ensure treatment continuity for patients.

As of now, the Ministry reports that while alternatives such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol are available, the supply of rifampicin is expected to stabilize with deliveries anticipated in November. Efforts are underway to maintain the availability of necessary medications through collaboration with health institutions and suppliers like Montefarma.

Ongoing Collaboration with WHO

The Ministry of Health maintains a longstanding partnership with the WHO, which has proven vital for enhancing tuberculosis control strategies in Montenegro. Past medication shortages have been addressed effectively, thanks to WHO’s assistance, ensuring a year’s supply of antituberculosis medications for all age groups.

For instance, in June 2024, the WHO facilitated an online meeting with the European Tuberculosis Consortium to address a specific case involving a preschool child in Bar, demonstrating the organization’s proactive approach to managing tuberculosis cases.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted global health programs, Montenegro has managed to sustain its diagnostic and therapeutic capacities for tuberculosis. Dr. Stevan Lučić, a microbiologist at the Special Hospital for Lung Diseases, noted a continuous decline in the number of reported cases, even as many nations have seen an increase in tuberculosis rates due to pandemic-related disruptions.

The COVID-19 crisis initially led to a significant drop in diagnosed cases in Montenegro during 2020, attributed to restricted access to health services. However, the country has since regained stability, with a gradual return to normal operations in tuberculosis control efforts.

Effective Treatment Strategies

Tuberculosis is now effectively treated through antimicrobial chemotherapy utilizing antituberculosis drugs. In severe cases, particularly with resistant forms of the disease, surgical treatment may also be necessary, although Montenegro currently has no registered cases requiring such interventions.

Diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach, with healthcare providers utilizing clinical assessments and radiological examinations to suspect tuberculosis. Confirmation is achieved through microbiological testing conducted at centralized laboratories in Brezovik. The country employs all tests recommended by the WHO, ensuring a high level of reliability in diagnosis.

Notably, Montenegro has not recorded cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis in recent years, marking a significant achievement for its healthcare system. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily hindered efforts against tuberculosis, the nation has successfully maintained functional surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment frameworks.

Overall, the continuous decline in tuberculosis cases, alongside the absence of drug-resistant strains, reflects the effectiveness of Montenegro’s diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, highlighting the importance of sustained health initiatives and international collaboration.