TB CARE I - Afghanistan Year 3 Quarterly Report July-September 2013

The program is led by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and involves collaboration with other organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National TB Program (NTP) of Afghanistan. During the third quarter of 2013, TB CARE I achieved significant progress in various areas. In terms of TB case detection, a total of 27,000 presumptive TB cases were screened in 13 provinces, resulting in 2,042 smear-positive TB cases and 4,400 all-forms of TB cases notified and put on treatment. Urban DOTS and community-based DOTS (CB-DOTS) contributed significantly to case findings, with 363 new sputum smear-positive and 922 all-forms of TB cases notified. The program also conducted community awareness activities, with four sessions conducted in Kabul city and attended by 1,200 individuals. Supervisory visits were conducted to 9 out of 13 provinces, and urban DOTS was expanded to one additional public health facility in Kabul city, increasing DOTS coverage to 75 health facilities, which is 67% of all existing health facilities in Kabul. In terms of TB infection control (TB-IC), the program achieved significant progress in various areas. The TB-IC plan was integrated into general IP at health facility level in 20 health facilities in 13 provinces, and TB-IC measures were expanded to a total of 20 health facilities by the end of June 2013. The program also provided support to NTP for renovation of health facilities for TB-IC in 13 provinces, with 12 health facilities renovated for minor changes for TB-IC in four provinces. The program also assisted NTP in the implementation of HRD strategic plan, which was completed in June 2013. Additionally, the program conducted monitoring and evaluation activities, including monitoring TB-IC implementation, which resulted in 26 out of 26 visits conducted to monitor TB-IC and SOP implementation at health facility level. In terms of TB-IC human resources, the program trained health facility staff on TB-IC assessment tool implementation and gap prioritization table in 13 provinces, with a total of 323 health care staff trained. The program also assisted NTP in the implementation of TB-IC SOP, which was cancelled due to strategy change, but funds were carried over to APA4. Overall, TB CARE I - Afghanistan made significant progress in various areas during the third quarter of 2013, including TB case detection, community awareness, TB-IC, and TB-IC human resources. The program's achievements are a testament to its commitment to improving TB control and prevention in Afghanistan. The program's activities were led by MSH, with collaboration from WHO and NTP. The program's progress was monitored and evaluated through various activities, including supervisory visits, monitoring TB-IC implementation, and training health facility staff on TB-IC assessment tool implementation. TB CARE I - Afghanistan's achievements during the third quarter of 2013 are a significant step towards improving TB control and prevention in Afghanistan. The program's progress demonstrates its commitment to addressing the country's TB challenges and improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The program's activities were focused on various areas, including TB case detection, community awareness, TB-IC, and TB-IC human resources. The program's achievements in these areas are a testament to its commitment to improving TB control and prevention in Afghanistan. The program's progress was monitored and evaluated through various activities, including supervisory visits, monitoring TB-IC implementation, and training health facility staff on TB-IC assessment tool implementation. The program's achievements in these areas demonstrate its commitment to addressing the country's TB challenges and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.