Comparison of predictors of tuberculosis in Kazakhstan and Ukraine
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious public health threat worldwide. TB prevalence was particularly high in post-Soviet countries in the end of the 20th century mainly due to the socio-economic situation in the countries that did not allow the maintenance of appropriate health care, including the phthisiological service. Both Kazakhstan and Ukraine demonstrated economic recession during five years following the break-up of the Soviet Union, although Ukraine was ahead of Kazakhstan in all economic parameters. Along with the deterioration of the economic situation, there was an increase in TB incidence and mortality. In 1990, TB DALY in Kazakhstan was 536.39 per 100,000 people, whereas Ukraine had only 199 per 100,000 people. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Kazakhstan and Ukraine has changed. According to WHO data (2018), Ukraine remains among the 20 countries with a high TB burden, while Kazakhstan was recognized as one of the best countries in Central Asia in terms of improving the diagnosis and treatment of TB.