Project HOPE Announces Promising Study Outcomes in TB Adherence and Diagnostics
Project HOPE announced promising results from a series of innovative studies aimed at improving Tuberculosis adherence, detection and prevention in patients in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Malawi.
Project HOPE announced promising results from a series of innovative studies aimed at improving Tuberculosis adherence, detection and prevention in patients in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Malawi.
The findings were announced at the recent Union World Conference on Lung Health, the world’s largest gathering of clinicians, public health workers, policymakers, researchers and advocates working on all aspects of lung health, including TB, HIV and tobacco control.
Project HOPE unveiled the following study results:
“Field testing of TB sputum specimen optimizer (OMNI-gene) in Malawi, 2016”
- Genotek’s OMNI-gene sputum sample optimizer is a good alternative solution to store and transport sputum specimen from remote collection points to diagnostic centers. OMNI-gene sputum treatment of samples did not cause an increase in GeneXpert MTB/RIF errors or invalid test results.
“Implementation of a molecular diagnostics program to improve TB case detection in Malawi”
- Use of GeneXpert machines has increased the detection of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases in TB-REACH intervention districts of Malawi by 21%. Districts need sputum transportation and cold chain maintenance support to effectively implement GeneXpert testing for presumptive cases from peripheral areas.
- Integration and coordination of the food parcels with primary care and TB services, combined with additional motivating incentive of the food parcels makes it easier for patients to comply with adherence. With a 99 percent compliance rate, Project HOPE recommends the patient-centered care model be replicated to ensure greater adherence to TB treatment.
Addressing Cross Border Control of Tuberculosis Among Labor Migrants in Kazakhstan
- Controlling TB among migrants requires strong coordination and partnerships among government institutions, NGOs and civil society. Removing barriers to access through outreach screening and awareness campaigns and migrant-friendly treatment facilities is key. Project HOPE recommends establishing network of friendly medical institutions to provide health services to migrants, and inter-country cooperation on cross-border TB control and treatment.
“We were honored to share the promising results of our studies with our colleagues at the Union World Lung Conference,” said Alex Trusov, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Director, Tuberculosis Portfolio at Project HOPE. “We are inspired by the innovative work taking place to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB, and grateful for the support and collaboration of The Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership, and the governments of Malawi, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan,” said Dr. Trusov.
For more than 25 years, Project HOPE has implemented infectious disease programs that support the prevention, management and control of diseases, specifically targeting the needs of the countries and communities in which we work. Project HOPE implements TB prevention, control and treatment programs that also address multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and TB/HIV co-infection. HOPE’s approach to TB management focuses on strengthening health systems by improving the skills and knowledge of health professionals and upgrading laboratory services and equipment.
See Project HOPE’s TB work in action here
About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to providing lasting solutions to health problems with the mission of helping people to help themselves. Identifiable to many by the SS Hope, the world’s first peacetime hospital ship, Project HOPE now provides medical training and health education, as well as conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 30 countries. Visit our website projecthope.org or follow us on Twitter @projecthopeorg.