Annual Report: Year 1 of TB CARE I in Botswana

The project's main focus in the first year was on technical areas such as universal and early access, laboratories, infection control, programmatic management of drug-resistant TB (PMDT), TB/HIV, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). A KNCV Senior International Consultant facilitated the development of action plans for TB-IC, PMDT, community DOTS, and TB/HIV during a workshop with approximately 40 stakeholders. The project's technical outcomes in the area of universal access included the establishment of a synergistic action plan for community DOTS scale-up in Botswana. A draft action plan was developed, and a national thematic group on community DOTS was established. However, a lack of follow-up to finalize the action plans with multiple stakeholders was a problem, as reported by the NTP. In the area of laboratories, the project's technical outcomes included the training of 78 laboratory technicians in smear microscopy, including external quality assurance. The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory passed document review by SANAS, the regional accreditation body, and awaits a site assessment scheduled for October. A functional and stable EQA program has been maintained according to the workplan. The project's technical outcomes in the area of infection control included the establishment of a synergistic action plan for TB infection control scale-up in Botswana. A draft action plan was developed, and a national thematic group on TB-IC was established to steer the development of a final action plan. This exercise resulted in on-site capacity building in this specific thematic area. The project's technical outcomes in the area of PMDT included the development of Standard Operating Procedures for First and Second Line Drug Susceptibility testing on MGIT. An M&E tool for laboratory routine diagnostics was also developed, and 12 laboratory technicians were trained in its use. The laboratory has also been shortlisted as a SADC Regional Supranational Reference laboratory. The project's technical outcomes in the area of TB/HIV included the development of a draft National TB Strategic plan for the 2012-2016 during a 4-day workshop attended by 34 stakeholders. A KNCV consultant facilitated the development of a costed TB prevalence survey protocol (co-financed by the Global Fund) in collaboration with in-country stakeholders. The project's technical outcomes in the area of M&E included the development of an M&E tool for laboratory routine diagnostics and the training of 12 laboratory technicians in its use. The project also supported the continuous running of the EQA program and the training of 78 laboratory technicians in AFB smear microscopy. The project's financial overview for the first year includes a total expenditure of $378,000, with a breakdown of costs for technical assistance, travel, and other expenses. The project's financial performance is in line with the approved budget, with a total expenditure of $378,000 against a budget of $378,000.