Quarterly Report: April - June 2011

The project's main objective is to conduct a nationwide TB prevalence survey, with a focus on monitoring and evaluation, operational research, and surveillance. The survey field work has been completed in 55 out of 95 clusters, with data analysis and report writing underway. The project has achieved a 58% completion rate of clusters during the year, exceeding the target of 37 clusters. A consensus has been reached between NTP and KNCV regarding a sub-agreement for TB CARE I activities, and the TB CARE I work plan and budget have been approved by USAID. However, several challenges have been encountered, including security concerns in the country, strict timelines for the TB CARE I budget, and the need to retain trained survey staff and maintain equipment in good working order. Additionally, a data validation and radiology central reading backlog has been identified, which needs to be addressed in a timely manner. The project has made significant progress in the first quarter, with three technical assistance missions conducted to support the project and survey. The next steps for the project include ensuring that survey field work and data entry/validation proceed according to plan, addressing the data validation and radiology central reading backlog, and obtaining approval from USAID for the sub-agreement between KNCV and NTP. In terms of technical area 7, M&E, OR, and surveillance, the project has made progress in several areas, including HR salaries for prevalence survey fixed staff, operational costs for the prevalence survey, and international technical assistance for support of the survey. However, challenges remain, including the need to cover the data validation backlog and address the central reading backlog. The project's overall implementation status is satisfactory, with the survey field work proceeding according to the roll-on plan. The project has completed 55 clusters out of 95, with a target completion date of November 2011. The project's next steps include ensuring that the survey field work and data entry/validation proceed according to plan, addressing the data validation and radiology central reading backlog, and obtaining approval from USAID for the sub-agreement between KNCV and NTP. The project has also made progress in several other areas, including monitoring and evaluation support, procurements, and international visits. However, challenges remain, including the need to address the data validation and radiology central reading backlog and ensure that the project stays on track to meet its targets. The project's quarterly activity plan modifications indicate that no cancellation, postponement, or modification of activities is requested. However, the project's budget and work plan will need to be adjusted to reflect the changes in the project's scope and timeline. Overall, the project has made significant progress in the first quarter, but challenges remain, including the need to address the data validation and radiology central reading backlog and ensure that the project stays on track to meet its targets.