USAID ETB Project Success Story: 19 December 2017

The overall goal is to achieve a 50% increase in individuals screened for TB and a treatment success rate of 85% or higher. To achieve this, the project engages all treatment care providers, including private conventional institutions and traditional health practitioners. Traditional health practitioners are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare services, particularly for ailments that attract social stigma such as TB, HIV, and STIs. ETB and THPAZ have agreed to work together to strengthen case findings, referrals, and treatment support for presumptive and TB clients from traditional health providers to public health facilities. This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ETB and THPAZ. The collaboration between ETB and THPAZ is based on the recognition of the importance of traditional healers in providing healthcare services to communities. Dr. Chila Simwanza, NTP Manager, acknowledged the success outcomes achieved by traditional healers and emphasized the need for conventional practitioners to recognize and embrace them as key partners in quality health provision. Dr. Rodwell Vongo, THPAZ President, encouraged his members to adopt progressive ideas aimed at enhancing healthcare services in their communities. The partnership between ETB and THPAZ is a key component of the project's strategy to improve TB outcomes. By working together, the two organizations aim to provide better healthcare services to communities and reduce the risk of TB transmission. The project's commitment to inclusive principles and meaningful partnerships is a foundation for a stronger response to TB in the country. The success of the ETB project is demonstrated by its ability to engage traditional health practitioners in TB care interventions. The project's focus on strengthening case findings, referrals, and treatment support has the potential to improve TB treatment success rates and reduce the burden of the disease in target provinces. The partnership between ETB and THPAZ is a model for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare outcomes in communities.