Awareness-raising activities are pivotal in the fight against TB, especially in vulnerable communities such as urban slums. These initiatives promote early detection, reduce stigma, improve treatment adherence, and foster community support, contributing significantly to the global goal of ending TB.
The USAID Urban TB LON II project has empowered healthcare professionals to become effective TB champions by training them in awareness creation activities and equipping them with the tools to engage their communities. Through outreach initiatives, these health professionals and TB focal have made a significant impact at both the community and facility levels in raising awareness about TB and promoting early detection, treatment, and prevention.
A notable example is Zebidar Kibret, a health professional with over nine years of experience, who has emerged as a TB champion. Zebidar works at the Gibot 20 health facility in Addis Ketema Subcity, located near the American Gibi slum, an area with a high TB burden. She has tirelessly educated the community about TB, focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
Urban slum environments present unique challenges for TB control, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, limited healthcare access, malnutrition, and underlying health conditions—all of which create fertile ground for TB transmission. Recognizing these complexities, Zebidar has dedicated herself to raising awareness, improving healthcare access, and advocating for better living conditions to reduce the spread of TB in her community.
Zebidar’s work goes beyond the health facility. She utilizes the Tesfa Birhan Amudin feeding center, a local institution supported by the MEDROC investment group, to reach a larger audience. During feeding times, when hundreds of people gather for meals, Zebidar educates them on TB, providing vital information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment. This allows her to engage a wide cross-section of the population, especially those who may not visit health facilities.
Through the USAID Urban TB LON Project, Zebidar was trained in effective TB control and prevention mechanisms, including awareness creation activities. As a result of this training, she is now empowered to teach others about TB prevention and care.
The USAID Urban TB LON II project has demonstrated the importance of empowering local healthcare workers as champions of change. Zebidar’s commitment and grassroots engagement exemplify how local leaders can inspire trust and foster behavior change within their communities. Empowering frontline workers with the knowledge and resources to lead awareness campaigns enhances the sustainability of TB control efforts.