The number of new tuberculosis cases reported in Vietnam in 2008 was 60% higher than previous estimates from the World Health Organization, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyen said Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam, during a conference to review TB prevention and control efforts between 2007 and 2008, VNA/VOV News reports. Nguyen said that TB, particularly among people ages 15 to 24, is the nation's No. 1 health issue.

According to VNA/VOV News, Vietnam reports up to 5,000 new cases of drug-resistant TB annually. Nguyen also warned against new TB cases among HIV-positive people. The Ministry of Health this year plans to establish a TB network to provide nationwide support to detect and treat the disease. The network aims to increase community-based TB diagnostic and treatment services and ensure cooperation between the government and private sector. In addition, the ministry will integrate TB and HIV/AIDS programs.

Vietnam ranks 12th on the WHO list of the 22 countries with the highest TB burdens worldwide, VNA/VOV News reports (VNA/VOV News, 1/16).