During the reporting period, 5348 new and relapse TB cases were identified in Fort portal region at 151 HFs representing 113% of the annual target. Of these, 1633 cases were co-infected with HIV and TB and all (100%) were linked to treatment. Figures (R) show additional key results achieved by the project including a 9% improvement in TB treatment success rate from 81% to 90% between the 4 quarters. These achievements were attributed to the integration of HIV and TB services at service entry points (OPD, ART, MNCH); use of cough monitors to screen all patients using the combined TB/COVID-19 screening algorithm; enhanced contacts tracing for index case’s household or social networks and use of two-tier expanded community TB screening and house-to-house community TB screening; Used mass media/print, political or religious leaders for World TB day commemoration to create demand for TB services.
In collaboration with MoH/NTLP: Baylor Uganda also supported district teams to expand geneXpert access/use as first-line TB diagnostic and newer technologies (“C-reactive protein, Truenant”) to improve case finding; facilitated lab hub rider/sample transportation system for geneXpert test; scaled-up use of symptom-based desk aide; aided referral/X-ray services via voucher system; sub-granted CBOs for TB patient follow-up until treatment completion; implemented QI initiatives to improve sputum samples referrals, test results Turn-around time, and TB-LAM testing for patients with Advanced HIV Disease; scaled-up TB DSDM to improve adherence and treatment completion. We integrated HIV testing/ immediate ART initiation (for newly identified TB/HIV co-infected patients) with TB screening during contact tracing at HF and community. We supported HFs to provide TPT to eligible patients including ordering of supplies; Scaled-up national TB electronic case-based surveillance (CBS) system for tracking TB patients through treatment completion/outcomes; facilitated quarterly review meetings to enhance data use.