CUFF-TB
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In June 2024, the Stop TB Partnership’s Executive Committee approved 28 new TB REACH Wave 11 projects, totalling USD 15.1 million, in 15 countries. These projects prioritize innovative, people-centered approaches to integrate TB and lung health services at primary and community healthcare levels. UZT is among the applicants received funding for Wave 11 generously provided by Global Affairs Canada and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
In Zimbabwe, UZT will implement the CAD-AI, Ultra-portable radiology and Field-based diagnosis For integrated community level screening & care for TB, silicosis, malnutrition & alcohol use disorder (CUFF TB) project, under Wave 11 whose focus is to integrate TB, lung health services and associated systemic risk factors such as alcohol use disorders and malnutrition at community & primary care level through use of ultra-portable X-ray, enabled with AI for computer aided detection as well as on-site field laboratory diagnosis.
CUFF TB PROJECT (2024 -2026)
The target population for the CUFF TB project are community beneficiaries in the respective catchment of selected high-volume sites including
- Men
- children
- contacts of TB patients
- miners
- the malnourished,
- alcohol/substance abuse survivors
Access & coverage will be assured through
1) Moonlight screening, targeting men at drinking spots & mining pits;
2) Trained CHWs through door-to-door targeted screening.
3) Expanded access of Radiological Services at high-volume facilities
Target Population
The project will be implemented across two districts, Mberengwa and Zvishavane in Midlands Province, with a combined population reach of 2,174,380 (12% of national). The province has a disproportionate burden of TB & concentration of artisanal gold mining activities, predisposing the population to silica dust & silicosis. The project will operate in 25 high-volume public facilities.
TB SCREENING OUTREACHES
- A portable X-ray & Truenat machine is being used for on-site screening & diagnosis with confirmed TB clients being referred to the nearest facility for treatment initiation
- At community level, a roving ultra-portable X-ray unit with AI enabled software to aid diagnosis is deployed to remote hard to reach communities through outreach services
- Project is implementing bi-directional screening for malnutrition in the TB clinic & TB within maternal and child health services.
- The project is building capacity of healthcare workers (HCWs) at primary care level, including community health workers (CHWs) to screen for TB as they provide other essential health services such as occupational & child health assessments.
- HCWs are being trained on integrated patient care with focus on integrating TB, silicosis, malnutrition & alcohol/substance abuse co-management, including a specialized training on occupational health approach to TB & silicosis screening.
- HCWs from project facilities are providing intervention services with support from project staff.
- Person-centered care will be assured through active involvement of community beneficiaries in planning & implementation.
- High risk groups – 12,800 screened with X-rays & 646 diagnosed with TB & linked to care
- 38,400 community members screened for TB by CHWs & 2,500 referred for investigation & 134 diagnosed with TB
- 646 diagnosed with TB & linked to care.
- 338 diagnosed with silicosis & linked to TB Preventive Therapy
- 256 diagnosed with TB and malnutrition
Project Goal
The goal of the CUFF TB project is to reduce morbidity & mortality associated with TB, other lung health conditions & co-morbidities through early detection & timely linkage to appropriate care.
