TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening | Work plan Feb 2018–Sept 2018

The program aims to accelerate the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines through curative and public health approaches, and to institute processes and systems to reduce the high burden and achieve TB elimination targets by 2035. TB Innovations integrates the achievement of the Philippine Strategic Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Phase 1 (PhilSTEP1) case-finding and treatment success targets with a full and sustained transition to a national TB response led by the Government of the Philippines. The program will actively identify, develop, pilot, and scale-up innovative technologies and approaches adapted for the Philippines to transform its TB program and strengthen the national health system. The program blends the science and art of successful TB detection, prevention, and care across the TB continuum of care within the country's existing platforms, while utilizing the latest technology and innovative approaches. TB Innovations will work closely with the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), USAID, TB Platforms for Sustainable Tuberculosis Detection, Care and Treatment (TB Platforms), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), and its principal and sub-recipients, as well as a range of other USAID-supported implementing mechanisms, Filipino stakeholders, and organizations, to achieve the broader vision and support the attainment of the Philippine Health Agenda. During the workplan development process, the TB Innovations team reviewed literature of international best practices and innovations, national and organizational reports, and data, and met with major stakeholders. Lessons learned from the IMPACT and other programs were incorporated into the workplan. The program will focus on several key areas, including TB case-finding and treatment, TB prevention and control, and TB research and development. TB Innovations will work to strengthen the national health system by improving the capacity of the NTP, enhancing the quality of TB services, and increasing access to TB care and treatment. The program will also work to engage and empower communities, particularly in high-burden areas, to take ownership of TB control efforts. Additionally, TB Innovations will work to leverage resources and partnerships to support TB control efforts in the Philippines. The program will be implemented in several key areas, including the National Capital Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. TB Innovations will work closely with local government units, health facilities, and community-based organizations to implement the program. The program will be led by a Chief of Party, who will be responsible for overall program management and implementation. The program will also have a range of technical staff, including TB control specialists, health systems strengthening experts, and research and development specialists. The program will also have a range of partners, including the NTP, TB Platforms, and other implementing mechanisms. TB Innovations will use a range of approaches to achieve its goals, including technical assistance, capacity building, and research and development. The program will also use a range of tools and technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), electronic reporting and recording (eRR), and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. The program will be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that it is meeting its goals and objectives. The program will use a range of indicators, including TB case-finding and treatment rates, TB prevention and control rates, and program coverage and reach. The program will also conduct regular assessments and evaluations to identify areas for improvement and to make adjustments to the program as needed. Overall, TB Innovations is a comprehensive program that aims to accelerate the fight against TB in the Philippines through curative and public health approaches, and to institute processes and systems to reduce the high burden and achieve TB elimination targets by 2035. The program will work closely with a range of stakeholders, including the NTP, TB Platforms, and other implementing mechanisms, to achieve its goals and objectives.