Stop TB Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
Through a multi-level project that targeted individuals, communities and policy, Bouaké in Côte d'Ivoire has made significant headway in the fight against TB. Stop TB Bouaké provided much needed nutritional and financial support, as well as temporary accommodations during treatment to those individuals most in need. Combined with advocacy for the local TB clinic, community events and training for community volunteers and other NGOs, the project has resulted in three times the number of patients receiving treatment compared to the same period the year before.
Wote Youth Development Project, Kenya
Brian is 20 years old and has just finished high school but now has been fallen ill with TB. Through this grant, Brian will have a treatment supporter who will be trained on how to take care of him and make sure he takes his drugs regularly. Brian and others like him are grateful to the unseen donor (Challenge Facility).
The Ambassadors of hope project had three main objectives. The first objective of improving attitude, skills, and behaviour was met by training 120 community health workers that included 30 ex-TB patients who later went on to form a support group. Additionally, three stakeholder forums were held during the project period. The second objective of improving quality, range, and coverage of TB prevention and support services included using the community health workers for active case finding and referrals where health services are not easily accessible. The third objective was to strengthen capacity and output of TB clinic for early detection and diagnosis. This was achieved through sputum collection, referrals and messages on early diagnosis. The community health workers managed to deliver 1272 slides to the 7 diagnostic centres out of which 161 were positive; a 12.65% yield. Community health workers made 87 referrals, distributed 100 T-shirts and 1200 brochures with TB messages, and reached 17,754 people with TB messages in 192 community meetings.
Organisation International Santé et Développement (ORISADE), Cameroon
With a CFCS grant, this organization focused on a vulnerable population by providing help where it was most needed. ORISADE trained leaders within the sex worker community. These leaders went on to educate and support other sex workers who otherwise might be hard to reach due to stigma and prejudice. The program provided much needed financial support so that hundreds of sex workers were able to access consultation and screening services. Those who needed treatment were referred and driven to the local health centre where ORISADE had advocated for better quality treatment of sex workers. Most impressively, all of the participants undergoing treatment received much needed nutritional support.
Hope For Future Generation, Ghana
To increase the number of community members screened for TB, regular sessions were held where community members could receive TB education, screening and sputum collection. Participation was enhanced by an excellent communications campaign that included regular theatre performances and radio programs to help spread their message. In addition to advocating local decision makers to increase support for TB activities, HFFG also trained traditional leaders, staff, media personnel, and former TB patients in advocacy and communications. Their efforts have resulted in close to 1000 community members being screened for TB, including several hundred PLWHA. All of those who tested positive for TB are now receiving much needed treatment.
Committee on Monitoring of Penal Reforms and Human Rights, Kazakhstan
Poor living conditions and inadequate health services often results in a disproportionately high number of prisoners suffering from tuberculosis. This project targeted this vulnerable population by conducting mass awareness campaigns, tuberculosis education sessions, and screening. Additionally, counseling and treatment sessions was arranged for all prisoners living with TB. An efficient tracking system was established for those with active TB infection who were released from prison to ensure that they continued their treatment. This grantee played a major role in reducing TB incidence by about 12% in their region.