Published 15 July 2016
In the recent Gauteng TB Performance Awards Ceremony, Tshwane district received a trophy a second (2nd) and third (3rd) position in the two categories. The performance Indicators were for IPT Initiation that improved from 35% in 2011 to 54% in 2013. Also the treatment success rate improved from 79% in 2011 to 81% in 2013. This shows a sustained improvement over three years. This was made possible by the strategy applied and the continuous monitoring and support. The prioritised Indicators were supporting the campaign message slogan by Dr Nelson Mandela in 2004 at World AIDS Day “We cannot successfully fight HIV/AIDS without also fighting TB”, Co-ordinators and Sub-district Co-coordinators together with FPD TA team worked together in the implementation of the revised guidelines in TB/IPT/HIV/ART to improve service delivery in facilities. Sub-districts and in particular facilities underperforming were identified.
The number of sites followed up were fourteen (14) for IPT and treatment success rate were five (5).100% was piloted in the latter and 85% in the former. Training, mentoring and continuous support with relevant resources and material were conducted during this period (2011 – 2013 and ongoing). Data verification, reviews setting up of data monitoring teams were also implemented at all facilities. HIV Counselling and Testing including TB Screening was encouraged in all service entry points (PICT), case investigation and those tested positive started on treatment early, while those HIV positive started on lifelong ART and Pre-ART initiated on IPT as per guidelines to prevent TB disease and infection control.
Tshwane Sub-districts TB Co-ordinators who attended the presentation ceremony held at NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases) by the Chief director, TB Programme, Dr V Moloi and Provincial TB Co-ordinators were; Jane Maluleke and Connie Mokgethi from Sub-district 1, Jane Mafoko from Sub-district 2 including FPD Tshwane Roving Team also enjoyed displaying the trophy awarded for most improved performance in relation to other districts in Gauteng Province. It is not over yet until we achieve zero new infections as we embark on WHO 90-90-90 Strategy in bending the curve towards eradicating TB and new HIV infection.
With continued hard work together, we CAN “STOP THE NONSENSE AND CLOSE THE GAP IN FIGHTING AGAINST TB AND HIV/AIDS”
