[Role of the Lutheran Non-Governmental Health Organization in tuberculosis control]

Ever since its establishment in Madagascar, the Lutheran Church has been very active in medical field. In 1983, the creation of a medical non governmental organization called SALFA (Sampanasa Loteriana momba ny Fahasalamana) gave a new impulse. Since 1987, the SALFA has been seriously involved in the management of tuberculous patients. This document is a synthesis of actions conducted by SALFA whose experience in tuberculosis control is widely recognized by the Health Department and specially by the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP). With an annual average of 1250 tuberculosis taken in charge, this NGO assumes 10% of the whole of the Program work. The diagnosis work is good (more than 85% Of PMT+) and therapeutic follow up of patients is excellent (more than 80% of the cured); those two elements of screening-treatment, basis of all tuberculosis control program incited us to describe this exemplary program.