Quarterly Monitoring Report: Challenge TB - Bangladesh Year 2, October-December 2015

CTB, led by Management Sciences for Health (MSH), collaborated with other partners, including KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, to implement activities aimed at improving TB diagnosis and treatment in the country. During the quarter, CTB conducted a comprehensive inventory of the status of 39 GeneXpert machines in Bangladesh. The team, in collaboration with the NTP and Cepheid, conducted field visits to assess the condition of these machines and ensured their functionality. As a result, the number of non-functional machines decreased from 10 to three by the end of the quarter. Additionally, six GeneXpert machines were calibrated, and 14 modules were replaced. CTB also provided technical support services, including calibration, maintenance, and module replacements, to ensure the proper functioning of the GeneXpert machines. The team conducted onsite orientations on basic maintenance and advocated for regular and timely maintenance of the machines. Furthermore, CTB trained 35 staff members on External Quality Assurance (EQA) for TB microscopy laboratories, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to strengthen the EQA network. To promote Public-Private Mix (PPM) initiatives, CTB facilitated the formation of a PPM working group, which consists of representatives from various stakeholders, including the NTP, BRAC, DF, WHO, CTB, Icddr,b, and BPA. The group aims to accelerate PPM activities in the country and will focus on policies, interaction with higher authorities, and the operationalization of mandatory notification. CTB also completed the necessary steps for the formation of the Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) working group by December 31, 2015. The ACSM working group will provide vital guidance for the coordinated implementation of the ACSM Strategy, which aims to create awareness among policymakers and the community about the importance of TB diagnosis and treatment. In addition, CTB conducted two training workshops in November 2015 for doctors belonging to NGOs working under the umbrella of the National Health Service Delivery Program (NHSDP). A total of 39 doctors were trained on childhood TB diagnosis and treatment, fulfilling an important need in the country. The formation of the PPM and ACSM working groups is expected to contribute to the improvement of TB diagnosis and treatment in Bangladesh. CTB's technical assistance and support will help to strengthen the NTP's capacity to implement effective TB control programs in the country.