TB Epidemiological Review in Zimbabwe, May-June 2019

TB Epidemiological review measures the extent to which the TB surveillance measures the TB disease burden and mortality and analyse trend to ascertain the TB epidemiological profile and the interventions to address TB disease. Dr. Francis Mhimbira, Managing Partner of EPIMAT Consulting, had the opportunity to lead the TB Epidemiological Review in Zimbabwe done from the 27^th of June to 07^th of July in 2019.

Objectives: the following were the objectives of Zimbabwe TB Epi Review

1. Describe and assess the current national TB surveillance and vital registration systems, with particular attention to their capacity to measure the level of and trends in TB disease burden (incidence and mortality), through the implementation of a checklist of TB surveillance.
2. Assess the level of, and trends in, TB disease burden (incidence, prevalence, mortality) using available surveillance, survey, programmatic and other data.
3. Define the investments needed to directly measure trends in TB disease burden in the future.
4. Define key populations that should be targeted with interventions to improve TB diagnosis and treatment success.
5. Assess the implementation of the recommendations from the TB Epidemiological Review (2016) and DHIS2 use of TB surveillance (2018)

Zimbabwe has extensive TB surveillance system and the transition to electronic case-based system will transform the data collection system. The overall trend of TB in Zimbabwe is declining. We thank Zimbabwe TB program, World Health Organization Global TB Program and WHO Zimbabwe office for the opportunity.

Consultants at EPIMAT Consulting are working hard to provide good quality consultancy services in Tanzania and in Africa. TB Epidemiological Reviews continue to build our data analytical skills and the assessment of TB surveillance.