COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C-19 RM) project of The Global Fund was envisioned in April 2020 to support countries on alleviating the effects of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis (TB) active case finding & strengthening the health systems. Within the context of strengthening health systems & countering the impact of COVID-19 on TB case finding, William J. Clinton Foundation (WJCF) has been supporting the government to conduct the ACFs in Tamil Nadu under the aegis of C-19 RM Project, (funded by The Global Fund) which is operational in 6 districts of the state (Kanchipuram, Vellore, Salem, Pudukkottai, Trichy & Tirunelveli) with an objective of scaling up the project to 8 states in India.
Under the aegis of C-19 RM Project, WJCF has undertaken the task to reduce the delays in TB diagnosis through the screening of key population through ACFs with the help of portable X-Ray and CAD. WJCF is providing human resources to operate existing Mobile diagnostic units in 6 districts of the state (Kanchipuram, Vellore, Salem, Pudukkottai, Trichy & Tirunelveli). WJCF is also augmenting the mobilization efforts in the districts to positively impact the footfall in the ACF camps. WJCF supports the TB diagnosis through ACF in community and in workplace and other vulnerable groups.
Within the purview of this information, Athena was commissioned to conduct a research study which was envisioned to derive insights on the implementation approaches of Active Case Finding (ACF) for Tuberculosis in Tamil Nadu. The main aim of the research was to "Evaluate the effectiveness of Active Case Finding (ACF) camps in select C-19 RM districts (Trichy & Trinuelveli) of Tamil Nadu by comparing them to non-C-19 RM (Thoothukudi and Tiruvallur) intervention sites on Targeting, Mobilising and Camp operations - bringing forth Best practices, Learnings and Operational Guidance towards informing effective ACF interventions pertaining to Tuberculosis in India".
The effectiveness of the ACF camps was assessed on Targeting approaches, mobilization efforts to spread awareness of the camps, and camp operations. The findings within these parameters have highlighted key ACF approaces in C-19 RM and Non C-19 RM districts.
For more information about the project, reach out to Abison Paul and Priyanka Ohri.
Note: Image is for representational purposes only
