The Ministry of Health of Lesotho has been intensively working to improve the current situation of high levels of TB infection in the country and making all possible efforts to achieve the End TB targets through continued rollout of GeneXpert instruments to improve access to the superior GeneXpert test and find all the missing TB cases. Based on the needs of the country to confront the current TB epidemic and improve treatment coverage, more effective strategies to improve active case finding (ACT) and contact tracing (CT) are required.

EPIMAT consulting was privileged and happy to work with HakiMadini and MUKIKUTE from October to November 2018 to assess the TB response in the mines in Tarime, Geita and Msalala districts in Tanzania. Quality TB and HIV services in the mining areas are key to address the double burden of TB and HIV among the miners and their surrounding community especially the household members of the miners. Our work determined the level of knowledge and TB and HIV among miners, identify barriers to access of quality services among the miners and the surrounding community.

Bangladesh TB epidemiological review conducted in August 2018 was on another exciting mission for Dr. Francis Mhimbira working with WHO Bangladesh and the TB Program. TB epidemiological review focuses on assessing the robustness of the TB surveillance system to capture all diagnosed TB patients and given effective TB treatment. In addition, TB epidemiological reviews helps to understand the effects of interventions in improving TB care and treatment.

We continued to support countries to conduct TB Epidemiological Review. This time around, we worked with UNDP to conduct TB epi review in South Sudan from 29th July to 09th August 2019. Dr. Francis tells us the challenging experience of working experience, but at the same appreciates the immense efforts of the government of South Sudan and partners working together to improve the health of the people. Ministry of Health Sudan through National TB Program and partners have made significant progress in introducing new tools and interventions to control TB.

Review of Global Fund TB/HIV single concept note from 28 high TB burden countries