Strengthening TB Case Detection, Treatment, and TB-HIV Coordinated Activities
Overview and Objectives
Tested innovations to increase early case detection and reduce the burden of TB in the Rangareddy district of Telangana. Increased case detection by providing TB-related information to public and private providers and by strengthening referral systems between TB and non-TB providers. In addition, built awareness and involved the community to increase case detection.
The work was initiated as part of the Quality Assurance Project and continues under the Health Care Improvement Project.
- Build capacity among public and private health sector providers in identifying TB suspects and referring them to TB service facilities
- Strengthen TB case management
- Increase private sector involvement in expanding access to TB facilities
- Strengthen the role of opinion leaders in early detection of TB cases
- Support TB integration with antenatal care and maternal and child health services
- Provide ongoing mentoring and support
- Improve infection prevention and control in TB settings
Achievements
Health worker training and community mobilization resulted in small increases in screening of new TB suspects (2%) and conversion rates or follow-up visits (5%). Adding community-based sputum collection has contributed to impressive changes in two indicators: a 64% increase in screening new TB suspects and a 43% increase in the case detection rate.
