Chronic alcohol abuse, smoking, and drug use are identified by the Ministry of Health (MoH) as key behavioral factors that directly contribute to the global spread of tuberculosis. Citing data from the World Health Organization, the ministry warned that hundreds of new cases of the disease are attributed to these risks each year. At the same time, the MoH emphasized that tuberculosis is completely preventable and treatable, provided that quality therapy and early detection are prioritized.
To improve infection detection rates and facilitate access to care, the "Open Doors Week" initiative has been organized in Bulgaria since 2009. It will take place for the third time this year during the period of September 14–18, with a primary focus on promoting prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. A number of hospitals have already announced their schedules for free screening — for example, in Yambol, examinations will be conducted at the Pneumo-phthisiatric Ward of "Sveti Panteleimon" Hospital from 12:00 to 15:00 during that week.
The campaign is part of the Ministry of Health's National Tuberculosis Prevention Program. Numerous institutions and organizations are involved in the process:
- pneumo-phthisiatric medical facilities;
- regional health inspections;
- municipalities;
- the Bulgarian Red Cross;
- health mediators.
Any citizen diagnosed with tuberculosis will immediately receive specific therapy. The MoH guarantees that treatment is completely free of charge for all patients in the country, regardless of their health insurance status. The Ministry further explained that implementing preventive measures for infected individuals significantly reduces the risk of the infection progressing into an active form of the disease.