TB CARE I - Nigeria OP Year 2 Quarterly Report

The program's overall work plan completion rate was 62% during the reporting period, with most activities implemented within the first six months. However, some quarterly-based activities were delayed due to security challenges in certain parts of the country. The program made significant progress in implementing the Patient Centered Approach (PCA) intervention, with the completion of quantitative and qualitative baseline investigations. A patient charter was adapted and translated into local languages, and 14 Gene Xpert machines were installed and functional in 12 states. A total of 2,009 TB suspects were screened, with 210 being MTB positive with Rif resistance and 472 MTB positive with non-Rif resistant. Data quality assessments were conducted in six states, revealing the need for improvement in data management practices. Facility staff were mentored and corrections were made to address discrepancies and summation errors. The program also built the capacity of 71 state program managers and M&E officers on the use of e-TB manage to notify DR-TB suspects and monitor DR-TB patients during the continuation phase. TB CARE I scaled up SOPs on case detection into 30 additional facilities, training 182 healthcare providers on the SOP-approach for improving TB case detection. The facilities have commenced implementation of the SOP-approach. The program also completed the Phase 2 renovation of the MDR TB ward at IDH Kano, which will accommodate newly diagnosed MDR TB patients during the intensive phase of treatment. In the area of laboratory services, the program introduced new technologies, including GeneXpert machines, which were installed and functional in 11 states. A total of 2,009 TB suspects were tested using Gene Xpert from October 2011 to September 2012. The program also conducted rapid tests, with a total of 2,009 tests conducted during the reporting period. The MDR TB program made progress, with a cure rate of 70% among patients who completed the full course of treatment. However, the program commenced late in 2010, and the first cohort report may be available from the NTP in Q1 2013. The program's overall implementation status was affected by security challenges in some parts of the country, which delayed the implementation of some activities. However, the program remains committed to its objectives and is working to address the challenges and improve patient outcomes.