Quarterly Report: USAID TB CARE II Project South Africa, January - March 2016

The project's strategic objectives are aligned with the 2012-2016 South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs, which aims to reduce new TB infections and deaths by 50% and reduce self-reported stigma due to HIV and TB. The project achieved significant milestones in the reporting period January to March 2016. Out of the 24 supported districts, 14 reached the target of 85% treatment success rates, with eight districts achieving treatment success rates between 75-84%. Amongst retreatment TB patients, 17 supported districts reached the national treatment completion target of 65%. This is a notable improvement compared to the previous reporting quarter. The project also introduced an innovative case detection methodology for children under the age of six years in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Basic Education (DBE), and Department of Health (DoH). This initiative identified a prevalence rate of 520 cases per 100,000 children in eThekwini district in Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs). TB/HIV infection rates remain a challenge, but significant strides have been made in increasing access to HIV testing amongst TB patients. In the current reporting quarter, 94.7% of TB patients had a known HIV status, and 82.7% of HIV-positive TB patients were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The treatment gaps amongst drug-resistant TB (DR TB) patients remain challenging, but major strides have been achieved. In the supported districts, 1,332 DR TB patients were diagnosed and 1,095 initiated on second-line treatment, reducing DR TB treatment initiation gaps to 17.7% compared to the national average of almost 50% in 2015. Community-based organisations (CBOs) played a major role in increasing the reach of TB services to the community, reaching 32,746 people with TB messaging in support of the national massive screening initiative. The project also engaged in various activities, including public-private collaborations, to improve TB services and expand DOTS coverage. The project's achievements are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Basic Education (DBE), and community-based organisations (CBOs) in improving TB services and reducing TB/HIV infection rates in South Africa. The project's continued efforts will be crucial in achieving the goals of the 2012-2016 South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs. The project's focus on improving the quality of TB services, increasing the availability of TB treatment, and expanding DOTS coverage has led to significant improvements in treatment success rates and TB/HIV infection rates. The project's innovative case detection methodology for children under the age of six years has also shown promising results. However, the treatment gaps amongst DR TB patients remain a challenge that requires continued attention and effort. The project's achievements and challenges highlight the importance of continued collaboration and support from various stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Social Development (DSD), Department of Basic Education (DBE), and community-based organisations (CBOs). The project's continued efforts will be crucial in achieving the goals of the 2012-2016 South African National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB, and STIs.