TC TB MAKONI
Project Description
The idea of the project is to reduce the burden of HIV and TB by addressing stigma and discrimination through raising awareness and improving diagnosis and treatment services. TC- TB program is a systematic approach aimed at mobilising and empowering communities to take control of HIV and TB.HIV and TB are closely related. The goal is to reduce the rate of new infections for HIV and TB and to provide appropriate packages of treatment, care and support to HIV and TB infected people and their families. The objective is to increase HIV and TB case finding and linkages to care at community and facility level. It is in line with the Government’s new guidelines for TB. The approach is to reach out to the most affected parts of the population in Makoni District.
Only the people can liberate themselves from the epidemic
Zimbabwe has made progress in reducing the TB burden in the country, as the country no longer ranks among the 30 high TB burden nations in the world. (Global Tuberculosis Report 2021). While remarkable gains are recorded, over 14,000 missed cases are recorded annually with a heavy burden of TB/HIV and drug-resistant TB. (WHO 2023). Additionally, stigma and discrimination, and high costs incurred by TB patients as they seek services remain a challenge. DAPP’s Total Control of Tuberculosis project in Makoni reaches the people with innovative people-cantered TB and HIV-integrated actions to promote demand, utilization, and effective coverage of HIV and TB services. Through a network of community-based project staff, trained volunteers and local leaders, DAPP targets key populations in hot spots from through door-to[1]door TB screening, sputum collection, referral to health facilities, TB treatment management support for those infected and affected by TB and HIV.
The project works closely with 59 health facilities in the district to complement and support the Zimbabwe National Health Development Strategy. The project combined tuberculosis (TB) intervention with nutritional support to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and promote overall health outcomes. Patients with TB and their families received seeds to create backyard nutrition gardens, leading to improved nutrition for patients. Additionally, this initiative served as a therapeutic and empowering activity, contributing to the well-being of individuals undergoing TB treatment. Project volunteers worked closely with TB patients to establish family or friend led support groups known as TRIOs. These groups played a vital role in offering emotional support, education, and motivation to individuals undergoing treatment for tuberculosis, helping them stay on track.
