Tuberculosis is a significant public health concern in Moldova and Romania. In 2008, TB incidence per 100.000 was 120.5 in Moldova and 105.9 in Romania.The Cities of Balti in Moldova and Iasi in Romania have higher incidence than their respective national averages, at 154.1 per 100.000 for Balti and 127.2 per 100.000 for Iasi.
Because of the historical relationship between the two countries and the close ties between Iasi and Balti, separated by a mere 80 kilometers, we can gain from combining forces. Citizens travel to the other country for work and study. Medical, educational, and political systems share many common foundations and there are personal bonds between cross-border colleagues. A platform for addressing TB can give us new ways to combat this contagious, airborne disease.
We can consider ideas for treatment for citizens resident in the other country, rights and responsibilities of patients, prevention and awareness, infection control, clinical research, interactions between patients and doctors, and community support for TB control. Through dialogue, we can develop joint projects to reduce high incidence and mortality from TB in Balti and Iasi.