USAID Tuberculosis South Africa Project – Quarter 3 Report April to June 2018

The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Contract Number: AID-OAA-I-14-00035 and Order Number: AID-674-TO-16-00002. The project's primary objective is to reduce TB infections, increase the sustainability of effective TB response systems, and improve the care and treatment of vulnerable populations. TB infections were reduced through increased public awareness of the TB epidemic, effective implementation of infection prevention and control, and improved TB screening among key populations. The project achieved a 27% increase in TB screening among key populations, including those with HIV/AIDS, sex workers, and miners. Additionally, the project implemented the FAST Approach, which aims to improve TB case detection and treatment outcomes. The project also focused on strengthening management capacity at all levels, including the National Department of Health (NDOH) and provincial health departments. This was achieved through capacity building workshops, program reviews, and the establishment of Regional Training Centers (RTCs). The project also strengthened service delivery capacity at all levels, including the provision of TB treatment and care services. The project's care and treatment of vulnerable populations improved through increased contact tracing of key populations, improved TB case management among key populations, and strengthened comprehensive systems and partnerships for care. The project also implemented the ConnecTB program, which aims to improve TB case detection and treatment outcomes among key populations. The project's performance was monitored through various indicators, including TB case finding data, treatment success rates, lost to follow-up (LTFU) rates, and mortality rates. The project also conducted data verification exercises to ensure the accuracy of data. The project's financial management was also monitored, and the project reported a successful implementation of the program. The project's success was recognized through various awards and recognition, including the Discovery Award at the 5th South Africa TB Conference. The project also institutionalized TB training into Regional Training Centers, which will help to sustain the project's impact beyond its lifespan. The project's geographic focus was on the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape, where TB prevalence is high. The project's implementation was led by the University Research Co., LLC, with support from various sub-recipients, including BEA Enterprises, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard/Partners in Health (BWH/PIH), Centre for Communications Impact (CCI), NEXT, World Health Organization (WHO), and University of Pretoria. The project's timeframes were from April to June 2018, during which the project achieved significant milestones in reducing TB infections, strengthening management capacity, and improving care and treatment of vulnerable populations. The project's recommendations for future implementation include scaling up the FAST Approach, strengthening service delivery capacity, and improving TB case management among key populations.