OVERVIEW

The goal of Challenge TB is to expand the use of the Directly Observed Treatment and Short-Course (DOTS) approach to treating tuberculosis (TB). It involves a medically-trained individual directly observing TB patients as they take their medicine; DOTS also incorporates strong patient monitoring protocols. Close monitoring and therapy ensure that patients take their medication and make them feel more comfortable in completing lengthy treatment regimens. Adhering to the treatment is critical to treating and curing TB and preventing strains of drug-resistant TB. The Challenge TB (CTB) project also seeks to improve the management of Afghanistan’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP).

ACTIVITIES

• Implement an innovative urban model for TB therapy and observation in key cities across Afghanistan
• Expand the community-based TB therapy and observation approach in focus areas across Afghanistan
• Support the comprehensive implementation of TB detection and treatment within the basic package of health services, which provides health services in clinics and communities across the country
• Strengthen the capacity of the NTP to monitor, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of TB activities throughout Afghanistan

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Expanded existing TB services and urban DOTS coverage in Kabul and scaled up this model to include Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Baghlan, Gardez, Khost, Taloqan and Jalalabad private and public health facilities in 2019
• Integrated TB tracking information into the Ministry of Public Health information system since 2015
• Developed and disseminated TB national guidelines and standard operating procedures for treatment and infection control to health facilities and staff in 15 provinces (Badakhshan, Baghlan, Bamyan, Faryab, Ghazni, Herat, Jawzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Paktika, Paktiya, Takhar, Nangarhar, and Balkh) on annual basis
• Installed two digital x-ray machines in Kabul and Kandahar in 2018
• Designed a mechanism to provide TB services in Paktiya and parts of Ghazni for Challenge TB DOTS using a Provincial Health Officer in 2018
• Procured and installed the GeneXpert technology in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif and Khost for the rapid detection and diagnosis of TB and multi-drug resistant TB in 2019