This monthly LabCoP session, focuses on the Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Assessment (TB-DNA), a country-driven process that assesses the functionality of the national tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic network and system, developed with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The TB-DNA aids in determining the laboratory system’s capacity to meet the needs of the country’s national TB strategic plan (NSP) for achieving the goals outlined in the End TB Strategy. The TB-DNA allows to review holistically the diagnostic network, current practices, and algorithms; to identify challenges that prevent the diagnostic network from performing efficiently and effectively; to propose evidence-based interventions to improve the overall ability of the diagnostic network to meet the goals and targets of the NSP. The process, endorsed by the GLI, was piloted in Nigeria and India, and revised with input from key stakeholders. Since 2020, USAID has supported the TB DNA implementation in 10 priority countries.
The session includes a presentation of the TB DNA and insights from early implementing countries (Ethiopia and Uganda).
Presenters:
• Dr Alex Durena, TB Diagnostics Technical Advisor, USAID Contractor in the Global Health Bureau, Office of Infectious Diseases, TB Division, Washington DC
• Dr Anteneh Kassa Mekonnen, Development Program Specialist, USAID, Ethiopia
• Prof Moses Joloba, Director, Supra National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Uganda
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