Did you know that many people living with active TB don’t feel “sick enough” to visit a clinic? Often, symptoms like a persistent cough are mistaken for the flu or a minor illness. Because of this, the infection can spread unknowingly within families and neighborhoods.
In high-burden TB “hotspot” areas, we aren’t waiting for patients to come to us. Through the US Government supported : Urban TB Local Organizations Network II Project, our teams are taking healthcare directly to the people. By going house-to-house, visiting schools, and engaging community gathering spaces, we are proactively identifying missing cases and ensuring no one is left behind.
Our Strategy to Break the Chain of Transmission
We utilize a comprehensive approach to stop the spread of TB at the community level:
- Active Symptom-Based Screening: We reach out to vulnerable populations and hotspot areas to identify individuals showing signs of TB early.
- Rapid Diagnostic Testing: Once identified, we collect samples for GenXpert testing to provide immediate, accurate results.
- Integrated Care & Prevention: Upon diagnosis, we immediately initiate treatment for patients. Furthermore, we provide support and TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) to their families and close contacts to prevent further infections.
Why This Matters
Early detection is the most powerful tool we have. By bringing clinical services into the community, we are not only treating individuals but also protecting the health of our families, neighbors, and schools.
Together, we are committed to closing the gaps in care and working toward a TB-free Ethiopia.
For more information on our ongoing efforts and upcoming community outreach programs, please contact our project team or follow us on our social media channels.