Stories from the Field - January 2024

Country-Level Platform Partnerships

We are excited to share the latest updates from our Stop TB Country-Level Partnership Platforms. Our monthly Reader’s Digest is packed with valuable information that we believe you will find interesting. Please see below highlights from different STB country-level platforms

 

Stop Tb Partnership Ghana

Stop TB Partnership Ghana met with the National Tuberculosis Control Programme and other non-state actors in the fight to end TB to discuss the operationalization of the concept notes of the various civil society actors in TB among other things, to kick-start the Grant Cycle 7 of The Global Fund.

The new Executive Board of Stop TB Partnership Ghana has been oriented on the task ahead of them in the fight to end TB in Ghana. This was after their election in December 2023.

 

Stop TB Partnership Nigeria

Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health in Nigeria and Social Welfare declared his commitment to end TB in Nigeria and stated his unwavering support for Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in mobilizing domestic resources for TB programs through private sector initiatives. He made this commitment in his office during an advocacy visit by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in January 2024 in Abuja. Prof. Pate appreciated STPN for its efforts toward ending tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria and its contribution to the global effort to end TB. He also charged STPN to sharpen its focus on achieving target outcomes over the next three years.

 

Stop TB Partnership Mozambique

On 02nd February 2024, Stop TB Mozambique, in collaboration with DEPROS and the NTP, held its first technical workgroup meeting to discuss (1) approval of the layout of giant checks for the Journalistic award; (2) confirmation of the date for the Stop TB Partnership Mozambique Launch Gala; (3) approval of the terms of reference for training of Journalist from Gaza; and (4) approval of the terms of reference for the Stop TB Partnership Mozambique Launch Gala. The meeting was attended by the NTP, a member of DEPROS, and Stop TB Partnership Mozambique

 

 

Stop TB Partnership Indonesia

Ahead of the presidential candidate debate that discussed health topics on February 4, 2024, the Stop TB Partnership Indonesia (STPI) held a Public Dialogue with the Presidential Candidate-Vice President Success Team: Final Relay Towards TB Elimination 2030 at Thamrin Nine Ballroom in January 2024, which was broadcast live at YouTube Narration Newsroom. At the end of the event, the three teams, each president and vice president, signed a joint commitment to TB elimination in 2030 by prioritizing 3 areas of choice for the Indonesian people, namely: 1. Meaningful involvement of TB-affected communities in TB control efforts; 2. Prioritizing TB financing at the national and regional levels in the political-health sector; 3. Encourage the availability and access to quality TB services based on rights and gender in public and private health facilities. The signing is proof of the political promises of the president and vice president in their 5 years of leadership which of course must be considered and escorted by all levels of society.

 

Stop TB Partnership Kazakhstan      

Three videos were posted on Tiktok in Russian and Kazakh: the National Stop TB Partnership in Kazakhstan; Innovations in Detection and Diagnosis of Tuberculosis; and Preventive Treatment of Tuberculosis been posted on Tik-Tok. Reels of such format and content are first broadcasted in the country. Example: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM67mdPnY/

 

Stop TB Partnership Kenya

The year 2023 was punctuated with constant stockout of all DST drugs including pediatric formulations. Stop TB partnership Kenya in collaboration with the Network of TB champions initiated an advocacy campaign to address the situation. An online petition letter was sent by the network of TB champions. Different advocacy meetings were held with different stakeholders. One was held with stakeholders in the Ministry of Health who included; senior officials in the Ministry of Health who included the Permanent Secretary, the head of the TB program, CSOs representatives, and communities. Another meeting with development partners who included CDC, USAID, GF, AMREF, and National TB Program among others. Moreover, Many media briefings were held to bring the stockout to the attention of relevant stakeholders. After the advocacy interventions, a resolution was arrived at with an agreement that GDF provides emergency supplies of first-line TB drugs as the country mainstreamed the country-level procurement. The supply resumed in December and currently, the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) is in the process of distributing the drugs to the counties. The drug supply has stabilized and no patient is going without drugs. The link below contains a statement from the Cabinet secretary reassuring the country of the resumption of adequate supply of TB drugs mentioning the measures the Ministry had put in place. The success of this is a result of advocacy efforts from Stop TB Partnership-Kenya and the network of TB champions.

 

Stop Tb Partnership Uganda

A community Baraza was organized in Rakai and Kyotera districts (South Western Uganda)  and Community knowledge of TB of about 3000 people was enhanced, they were given correct information about the disease, and 8 new cases were found.

 

 

 

Volunteers for Health Services (VSH)- Ethiopia

REACH Ethiopia stands proudly alongside the Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau in their fight against TB on January 2024 in Addis Ababa. They developed and printed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) materials specifically designed for health facilities, urban ccommunities, health extension workers, and volunteers.

These resources, including booklets, desktop client counseling job aids, and Umbrella ☂️, aim to achieve three key goals: raising TB awareness, promoting preventive measures, and encouraging timely testing and treatment.

 

 

Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe

In January 2024, the STPZ supported a meeting for TB survivors support group leaders in Dzivarasekwa. The meeting brought together

leaders of 6 TB survivor support groups from Harare Province (Dzivarasekwa, Mabvuku, Chitungwiza, Kuwadzana, Mufakose , and Epworth) to review

progress and deliberate on future advocacy plans.

https://www.herald.co.zw/survivors-lead-fight-against-tb/

 

From our side

Valentines Day 2024 E-cardThe STP Board Meeting is currently taking place in Brasilia (5 to 8) February 2024.

Valentine’s Day 2024 is coming ❤️and Stop TB Partnership is celebrating love and care! Share our e-card and commit to sending your love to all and care for all in support of all people affected by Tuberculosis. Please check STP’s social media platforms