Quarterly TB/HIV Data Report for Q2 FY21

Data collected from 341 PEPFAR-supported sites revealed 6,605 new and relapsed registered TB patients, representing a 207% achievement against the quarterly target of 3,198. This success can be attributed to the implementation of the "Marching Towards 55,000" (MT55) strategy, which involves regular data interrogation, real-time technical mentorship, and intensified target tracking sessions. The strategy has resulted in increased use of data for decision-making by TB staff, leading to better targeting. Additionally, ETB and NTLP scaled up routine intensive case finding at all patient entry points in selected TB high-burden health facilities, submitting weekly surveillance data. Intensified case finding activities were also maintained through the use of the mobile OneStopTB clinic at high-volume health facilities in Copperbelt Province. Of the 6,605 new and relapsed registered TB patients, 6,192 had a documented HIV status, constituting a 94% HIV testing rate amongst TB patients. This represents a 194% achievement against the target of 3,198 new and relapsed TB patients with an HIV status. The composition of the 6,192 TB patients with documented HIV status consists of 4,237 (69%) HIV-negative patients, 1,556 (25%) known positive patients, and 399 (6%) newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. TB/HIV patients on ART TB/HIV patients on ART during Q2 FY21 showed a significant increase in ART coverage. Data collected from 284 PEPFAR-supported sites revealed 1,955 new and relapsed registered TB patients with documented HIV-positive status, of which 1,556 were known HIV-positives and 399 were newly diagnosed with HIV. Of the 1,955 TB/HIV patients, 1,759 patients were on ART, representing a 90% ART coverage and 119% achievement against the quarterly target of 1,483. To increase the proportion of TB/HIV patients on ART, the project will continue to provide technical support on prompt ART initiation and updating the recording and reporting tools. ETB supported district TB focal point persons and district health information officers to verify data submitted before it was transmitted to ETB's central office. COVID-19 Prevention Measures The project continued to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures as guided by the Ministry of Health. ETB and NTLP staff reinforced COVID-19 prevention measures through technical support and mentorship on the use of face masks, maintaining social distance, and handwashing practices while implementing TB activities. Data collection processes were led by facility TB focal point persons at the site level, and ETB staff provided remote support virtually before, during, and after the exercise. To ensure collection of quality data, prior to data collection, ETB jointly with NTLP provincial and district staff provided virtual orientations to facility TB focal point persons on indicator definitions, emphasizing inclusion and exclusion criteria. This has been effective in building the capacity of newly appointed facility TB focal point persons. ETB also supported provincial and district NTLP staff to provide technical support supervision and mentorship with adherence to COVID-19 measures on TB case identification and management, documentation, and reporting.