HOW CAN WE CONTROL CASES OF DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS WHERE THE SYSTEM AND INFRASTRUCTURE ARE COMPROMISED?

Abstract

This text presents a critical reflection on the historical and structural challenges of health systems in African countries, with a focus on Angola, addressing the impacts of vertical programs aimed at controlling diseases such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. It emphasizes the problem of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, aggravated by the fragility of health services, laboratory limitations, difficulties in accessing diagnosis, and insufficient human and technological resources. In this context, the importance of implementing Sample Referral Systems (SRS) as a strategy to expand early diagnosis, reduce transmission, and strengthen healthcare is highlighted. The text also serves as an invitation to read the first issue of volume 18, issue number 2026 of the Journal of Biomedical Research (RIB), entitled "Perspectives in Public Health: bacterial resistance, sanitation and health education," which brings together original studies and reviews on bacterial resistance, sanitation, nanotechnology, water quality, and infectious and parasitic diseases, promoting the integration of research, innovation, and public health.