Faster Diagnosis Means Earlier Treatment
Innovative GPS Technology Speeding Up TB Diagnosis in Kyrgyzstan
Project HOPE and the National Center for Tuberculosis under the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted a roundtable event on July 26 to discuss the results of using innovative technologies in a TB control program being piloted in Kyrgyzstan.
Working with Ministry of Health, State Department for Prevention of Diseases and Epidemiological Surveillance, Project HOPE implemented the new program, earlier this year, to improve the procedures of prompt diagnosis and early treatment for TB patients in the Sokuluk Region of Chui Oblast.
How It Works
The program, “Innovative Approach to the Transportation of Biological Samples for Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of TB Patients,” utilizes advanced digital technologies in TB control and an innovative model of transportation of biological materials for TB diagnosis including:
- Software to determine the most cost effective optimal routes and GPS tracking of transportation as well as monitoring of kilometers driven by the car
- Coordination of medical (TB labs and primary health care facilities) and non-medical personnel (drivers) through smartphones and mobile Internet
- Outsourcing of private transportation services
- Sputum transportation is also protected by special thermo-boxes which connect to house electricity and also the car’s electrical network to ensure the quality of collected laboratory samples and infection control.
Results
The project has been implemented in the district for a half year now,” said Artur Niyazov, Project HOPE’s branch director in Kyrgyzstan. “We have good results.”
The “Innovative System of the Transportation of Biological Samples” makes it possible to:
- Reduce the time between diagnosing and beginning tuberculosis treatment
- Improve access to laboratory diagnostics, strengthen the infection control during transportation of pathological materials
- Reduce patient’s expenses
The roundtable discussion was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, National Center for Tuberculosis, Mandatory Health Insurance Fund, as well as representatives of international organizations – USAID, World Health Organization, The Global Fund, International Committee of the Red Cross and other local non-governmental organizations.
“The successful use of this developed system demonstrates it is possible to implement this program across Kyrgyzstan,” added Niyazov.