Marks Electronic - India’s Post

The Chief of the HIV/TB Division at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia, Ms Lauren Bailey, has commended the USAID/Zambia Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network (USAID-TBLON) for its outstanding work combating TB. This recognition comes as USAID-TBLON's work is featured in the USAID Annual Tuberculosis Report to Congress for the 2024 Financial Year. Speaking during the FY 24 Annual Performance Review of the USAID-TBLON Project, implemented by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) in support of the Ministry of Health of Zambia, Dr Bailey highlighted the significant strides made in TB diagnosis and treatment. The report, titled "U.S. Agency For International Development Report to Congress on Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Tuberculosis Programming with FY 2023 Funds: Accelerating and Localizing Efforts to End TB," underscores the global TB crisis. A key highlight of USAID-TBLON's work in the report is the improvement of pediatric TB diagnosis through the introduction and expansion of stool-based TB testing on the GeneXpert platform. This method requires less training and avoids the invasive procedures previously used for children under five, such as gastric aspiration, which could only be performed in hospitals by trained providers. The report states that USAID employed a comprehensive strategy to roll out stool-based testing in Zambia. Collaborating with local health authorities, USAID advisors embedded in the National TB Program (NTP) led efforts to pilot this approach in Lusaka. This included training laboratory staff and paediatricians at the provincial level while providing ongoing supervision and mentorship to ensure service is scaled up nationwide despite challenges like staff turnover. The availability of stool-based testing throughout Zambia's health system has dramatically increased pediatric TB case notifications, from 1,517 in 2018 to 6,213 in 2023.  The review meeting was attended by USAID representatives, CIDRZ, USAID-TBLON project Staff and USAID-TBLON partners.

Reducing the Burden of Tuberculosis in low income and Middle income countries. Tuberculosis is caused by bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A total of 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022 (including 167 000 people with HIV). Do you know about 95% of tuberculosis infections and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. TB is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV and AIDS) World wide. In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, including 5.8 million men, 3.5 million women and 1.3 million children. Globally, 1.1 million children fell ill with TB in 2020. Child and adolescent TB is often overlooked by health providers and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a health security threat. Only about 2 in 5 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in in the last three years. It was reported that aboout that about US$ 13 billion is needed annually for TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care to achieve the global target agreed at the 2018 UN high level-meeting on TB. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TB is present in all countries and age groups. Global effort to combat TB have saved an estimated of above 70Millioms lives since rhe year 20000. TB is curable and preventable. Way of Reducing the Burden of TB 1. Creating and Engaging programs that focuses on Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of TB. 2. Implementation of Quality policy that focuses on TB programs 3. Multispectral engagement and collaboration that will engage TB programs. 4. Public Health engagement and enlightenment towards TB 5. Strengthening Public Health facility. 6. Providing Healthcare leadership and strategic direction to facilitate TB Programs 7. Developing and montoring Multidrugs resistant TB Programs. As we join our voices on this World TB Day. Yes we can End TB. #WorldTBDay

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide despite being preventable and curable. To comprehensively address TB, the Stop TB Partnership introduced innovative tools such as the Community, Rights, and Gender (CRG) Assessment to identify structural inequities, gender disparities, and human rights issues hindering access to TB diagnosis, treatment, and care. Under the auspices of MENAHRA and with generous backing from the Stop TB partnership, a comprehensive CRG assessment was undertaken in Lebanon. Following the directives of the Stop TB partnership, this assessment adopted a participatory approach involving a multitude of stakeholders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to TB patients and key vulnerable populations (KVPs) susceptible to TB infection. KVPs encompassed refugees, prisoners, undocumented migrant workers, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), and Lebanese individuals grappling with extreme poverty. Aligned with the CRG assessment methodology endorsed by the Stop TB partnership, the research in Lebanon adhered to a modified version of the right to health framework. This framework delineates seven critical dimensions concerning human rights principles pertinent to TB response, including Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality (AAAQ), Non-discrimination and Equal Treatment, Health-related Freedoms, Gender, Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups, Participation, and Remedies and Accountability. The primary aim of the Tuberculosis CRG study in Lebanon was to evaluate the efficacy of implementing these principles within the country’s TB response. Employing qualitative research methods, the TB CRG Assessment integrated secondary data from desk reviews with primary data collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions, and informal interviews with diverse stakeholders. Participants ranged from individuals directly impacted by TB and their care givers to healthcare providers, policymakers, representatives of KVPs, and gender experts. The findings of the CRG assessment illuminated the state of TB services in Lebanon, a context where TB research is scarce. Find the report here: https://lnkd.in/duC-t_4P

Tuberculosis (TB) is the “world’s top infectious killer.” Around 10 million people fall ill with the disease every year and roughly 1.5 million people die because of it, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, about one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with the disease’s causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. “HIV is the largest known risk factor for progression to active TB due to its immense immunosuppressive effect,” said Oshiomah Oyageshio, a doctoral student in the lab of Brenna Henn, an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology. “It increases TB risk by about 20-fold.” Despite this, HIV isn’t the only risk factor associated with TB. “Recent national health surveys in South Africa have found that 82% of people with TB do not have HIV,” Oyageshio said. “This motivates the understanding of what drives high TB incidence in situations without HIV ‘masking’ other susceptibility signals.” In a study appearing in PLOS Global Public Health, Oyageshio and colleagues investigated the epidemiological risk factors, outside of HIV, associated with TB in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. In this understudied area, most people are likely exposed to TB by the time they are young adults and it’s estimated that 80% to 90% of the population is infected with latent TB, according to the researchers.  https://lnkd.in/gQdkSMyV #tuberculosis #infectiousdiseases #health #UCDavis

The current tuberculosis (TB) situation in Tanzania is characterized by a high burden of the disease, with significant challenges in prevention, detection, and treatment. Tanzania is among the countries with a high TB burden, and TB is a leading cause of death, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. The integration of TB screening in outpatient departments (OPDs) and HIV clinics has been noted, but the process is hampered by resource constraints, including shortages of trained personnel and laboratory supplies. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is an emerging concern, with a notable gap between estimated and diagnosed cases, highlighting the need for increased diagnostic and treatment capacity. Interestingly, the role of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in TB diagnosis is under-recognized in Tanzania, potentially leading to overdiagnosis and mistreatment of TB cases. However, the introduction of shorter treatment regimens (STR) for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) has shown promising results, with a high treatment success rate, suggesting that the implementation of STR and improved nutritional status at baseline may enhance treatment outcomes. Genetic profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Tanzania reveals a diversity of spoligotype families, with no significant variation in treatment outcomes among them, and a low overall level of MDR TB. This genetic diversity may have implications for drug resistance and treatment outcomes, warranting further research. In summary, Tanzania faces a high TB burden with challenges in screening, diagnosis, and treatment, exacerbated by resource limitations. The emergence of MDR-TB and the presence of NTM pose additional complications. However, the successful implementation of STR for DR-TB and the genetic diversity of TB strains offer avenues for improving TB control in the country.

📃Scientific paper: Progress towards the 2020 milestones of the end TB strategy in Cambodia: estimates of age and sex specific TB incidence and mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 Abstract: Background Cambodia was recently removed from the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) top 30 high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. However, Cambodia’s TB burden remains substantial, and the country is on the WHO’s new global TB watchlist. We aimed to examine the levels and trends in the fatal and non-fatal TB burden in Cambodia from 1990 to 2019, assessing progress towards the WHO End TB interim milestones, which aim to reduce TB incidence rate by 20% and TB deaths by 35% from 2015 to 2020. Methods We leveraged the Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) analytical framework to compute age- and sex-specific TB mortality and incidence by HIV status in Cambodia. We enumerated TB mortality utilizing a Bayesian hierarchical Cause of Death Ensemble modeling platform. We analyzed all available data sources, including prevalence surveys, population-based tuberculin surveys, and TB cause-specific mortality, to produce internally consistent estimates of incidence and mortality using a compartmental meta-regression tool (DisMod-MR 2.1). We further estimated the fraction of tuberculosis mortality among individuals without HIV coinfection attributable to the independent effects of alcohol use, smoking, and diabetes. Results In 2019, there were 6500 (95% uncertainty interval 4830–8680) deaths due to all-form TB and 50.0 (43.8–57.8) thousand all-form TB incident cases in Cambodia. The corresponding age-standardized rates were 53.3 (39.9–69.4) per 100,000 population for mortal... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/k6al ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

*Policy Brief: Mitigating and Controlling Tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa** 1. **Strengthening TB/HIV Collaborative Activities**: - **Integrated Services**: Establish integrated TB and HIV services to ensure comprehensive care for co-infected patients. This includes routine screening of HIV patients for TB and vice versa, along with the provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive TB patients . - **Training and Capacity Building**: Train healthcare workers in the integrated management of TB and HIV to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates. 2. **Enhancing Diagnostic Capacity**: - **Rapid Diagnostic Tests**: Expand the use of rapid diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF and LAM tests in both urban and rural settings. These tests can provide quick and accurate diagnosis, crucial for timely treatment initiation . - **Decentralized Laboratory Services**: Develop mobile diagnostic units and decentralized laboratories to reach remote and underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to diagnostic services. 3. **Improving Treatment Adherence**: - **Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS)**: Strengthen the DOTS strategy by involving community health workers to monitor and support patients throughout their treatment. - **Digital Adherence Technologies**: Implement digital tools such as mobile health applications to remind patients about medication schedules and monitor adherence. 4. **Addressing Social Determinants of Health**: - **Nutritional Support**: Provide nutritional supplements to TB patients, particularly those who are malnourished, to enhance their recovery and treatment outcomes . - **Social Support Programs**: Develop programs to address the broader social determinants of health, such as providing financial incentives, housing support, and education on TB prevention. 5. **Strengthening Health Systems**: - **Robust Health Infrastructure**: Invest in healthcare infrastructure, including building and equipping TB diagnostic and treatment centers, to improve overall healthcare delivery . - **Human Resources**: Increase the number of trained healthcare workers and provide continuous professional development opportunities to ensure high-quality care. 6. **Policy and Funding**: - **Political Commitment**: Ensure sustained political commitment to TB control by integrating TB programs into national health agendas and securing long-term funding . - **International Collaboration**: Foster international partnerships to mobilize resources, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to combat TB. 7. **Research and Innovation**: - **Vaccine Development**: Invest in research for new TB vaccines that are effective in preventing TB in all age groups, including adults . - **New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools**: Support research and development of novel diagnostic tools and treatment regimens to address the challenges of drug-resistant TB.

Namibia leads fight againstmother-to-child hepatitis transfer: Namibia has become the first country in Africa to be awarded silver tier status for its progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. The World Health Organisation (WHO) awarded the country the accolade in May. This demonstrates that progress is possible when there is government ownership and concerted action. It is an example to emulate. This year’s theme, ‘It is Time for Action’ is in harmony with the WHO’s new global health strategy. It reminds us of the opportunities that lie ahead if we are to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% by 2030. Ten years ago, the WHO African Region adopted a plan to reduce chronic hepatitis B infection to less than 2% in children under five, and to introduce a hepatitis B birth dose in at least 25 countries by the end of 2020. Similarly, the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report reminds us that despite the remarkable efforts of our member states, committing domestic resources to the viral hepatitis response is still far from being accomplished. The WHO continues to support efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 by providing up-to-date strategies, frameworks and guidance for decentralised, simplified and person-centred prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment. We need to do more for equity as socio-economic and other barriers endure and prevent people from accessing free diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis. Progress is possible, as Namibia has demonstrated. Multisectoral, interdisciplinary, concerted efforts for reaching both the 2030 targets, as well as the three key milestones of the 2021 to 2030 Framework for an Integrated Multisectoral Response to Tuberculosis, HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Hepatitis, are urgently needed. I urge countries to ensure political commitment at the highest level towards fulfilling our agreed targets to eliminate hepatitis, and for policymakers and partners to jointly identify the populations most affected by viral hepatitis. This is in an effort to commit to actions that respond to the local evidence and health system contexts, while upholding fundamental human rights. I also encourage civil society organisations to sustain their efforts in ending viral hepatitis by reaching the most vulnerable and tackling social stigma. I recommend that the private sector explore new initiatives and investment opportunities with our member states to increase the local production of medicines for hepatitis B and C in Africa by strengthening the regional manufacturing sector. I would like to extend my call to the academic community, a key actor capable of contributing innovation and groundbreaking ideas, by inviting them to challenge any ‘business as usual’ approaches in the fight against hepatitis. Finally, let everyone seek testing and treatment for hepatitis, as viral hepatitis can be ended only if we…

🌟 Celebrating Political Leadership in the Fight Against Tuberculosis! 🌟 The successful implementation of shorter TB treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) has been a game-changer, thanks to the unwavering support of national TB caucuses composed of dedicated parliamentarians from 13 countries in the EECA region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) They have played a pivotal role in advocating for and supporting initiatives that facilitate the adoption and scale-up of these effective treatment regimens: ✨ Raising Awareness: National TB caucuses, like in Kazakhstan (led by Hon. Guldara Nurumova), have leveraged their political platforms to raise awareness about TB, emphasising its impact on public health and the need for sustainable solutions. Through public speeches, community engagements, and media appearances, MPs like Hon. Nurumova have helped destigmatize TB and promote early diagnosis and treatment. ✨ Advocating for Funding: Parliamentarians like Hon Adrian Belii of Moldova in particular have used their legislative influence to advocate for increased funding allocations towards TB prevention and treatment programs. Their efforts have been crucial in securing resources necessary for training healthcare professionals, deploying innovative technologies for patient monitoring, and ensuring comprehensive care for TB patients. ✨ Fostering Partnerships: Leaders like Hon Jamshed Murtazozod of Tajikistan (also Regional Co-Chair of Eastern Europe and Central Asia) have facilitated partnerships between governmental health agencies, international organizations like WHO, and civil society groups. Their advocacy has fostered collaboration aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing healthcare worker training, and deploying technologies for better patient management. Looking forward, national TB caucuses continue to play a pivotal role in advancing TB control efforts. They advocate for increased funding and resources for TB programs, ensuring sustained support for research, development, and implementation of innovative treatment strategies. Additionally, they work towards integrating TB into broader health and development agendas, highlighting the intersectionality of TB with issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and access to healthcare. The engagement of national TB caucuses underscores the importance of political leadership in tackling TB on a global scale. By leveraging their influence and networks, parliamentarians can drive policy changes, mobilise resources, and galvanise communities towards achieving TB elimination goals, ultimately improving health outcomes for TB patients worldwide. 👉 Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/gKfQc99q

Global Fund Announces Emergency Funding to Sustain Essential Health Services in Northern Ethiopia Amid Conflict The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) has approved US$2.5 million in emergency funding to support the procurement of essential HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria commodities and services in the conflict-affected regions of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar in Northern Ethiopia.The funding will be implemented for one year – from 1 September 2024 to 30 August 2025 – through a standalone grant managed by UNICEF,Principal Recipient of the grant, and the World Health Organization (WHO), sub-recipient of the grant.“Ensuring that patients affected by the conflict in Northern Ethiopia can continue to access prevention and treatment services is our foremost priority,”said Mark Edington, Head of Grant Management at the Global Fund. “We are leveraging the access and presence of our trusted partners, UNICEF and WHO, in the conflict-affected regions to deliver essential services to those in need. The Global Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting countries and communities in responding to health crises caused by conflicts.” The conflict in Northern Ethiopia has impacted Global Fund-supported programs in Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. These four regions make up 36% of the total population of Ethiopia and account for 40% of people living with HIV, 19% of TB cases, and 47% of malaria cases in the country. Services to people in these regions have been disrupted due to the conflicts and other security concerns. Even after the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) over a year ago, the aftermath of the conflict is still causing critical issues related to service delivery, access to care and stockouts of medicines delivery, access to care and stockouts of medicines. The damage to and/or looting of health facilities and the limited access to basic health care and medical resources have led to a surge in preventable diseases, including malaria and HIV, which poses a significant threat to public health. Moreover, the conflict has caused significant disruptions in disease control programs and the supply chain management for essential medicines. The U$2.5 million in emergency funding comes on top of over US$441 million for three new grants launched by the Global Fund and the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia last June to sustain progress against HIV, TB and malaria and strengthen health and community systems across the country over the 2024-2027 period. Since 2003, the Global Fund has invested US$3 billion in Ethiopia to support the country’s progress against HIV, TB and malaria, build more resilient and sustainable systems for health, and protect existing gains in the face of conflict, mass displacement, food insecurity and severe drought.