Santo Domingo, 14 mar ( EFE).- the number of deaths from tuberculosis in Dominican Republic was reduced by more than 76 per cent over the past seven years, said today the local Ministry of health, he attributed the situation to the strengthening of preventive programs.

The official agency said in a statement, which at least 321 people with pulmonary tuberculosis were cured in the country in the past seven years and the number of deaths from the disease around decreased 76.7%.

The number of deaths from this disease in the same period was 101, amounting to 321 cases less than those recorded in 2004, added the Dominican Health Ministry.

“These data are very important, because it is estimated that for each patient over the disease prevents the spread of 10 or 30 people who could potentially be passed, said the Government agency.

To local Ministry of health this downward trend is of great satisfaction, although they will continue strengthening preventive actions in the diagnosis, study of people at high risk of infection and in the follow-up of the patient until his healing, applying appropriate treatment to ensure the control of TB in the country.

“Certainly that we are making headway in the fight against tuberculosis”, added the paper, “Although we must recognize that we have challenges to overcome for the coming years”.

The local Ministry of health stressed that at least 321 people with pulmonary tuberculosis were cured in the country in the past seven years and the number of deaths from measles fell around 76.7 per cent. EFE/file