The project, which began July 1, 2009, is designed to increase access to quality care for those infected with TB, or MDR-TB, by strengthening the capacities of those responding to, and affected by the epidemic.
Key components include:
Strengthening health services;
Improving the attention TB patients receive;
Creating community participation;
Monitoring and treating adverse reactions to treatment (RAFA).
Strengthening health services and increasing provider capacity is achieved through education on drug management, epidemiologic factors, electronic management systems and more.
Education is conducted with simultaneous investment in infrastructure, equipment and new technology like a database for TB patients. Included is a strategy to prevent TB infection among hospital workers by: training both health care workers and patients on controlling infectious sputum; assessing suspected patients in outpatient settings; reduction of potential laboratory exposure; and control of dangerous MDR-TB cases. The intervention also includes an environmental control module, dealing with air ventilation and possible exposure, as well as personal protective equipment for health care workers and patients. Community participation is a key component, through the use of health promoters, who have been TB patients themselves. First, the program improves the attention that patients receive by increasing access to exams and treatment for poor patients. Promoters then manage 3 patients, keeping them connected with the local health center and managing their treatment when necessary. They facilitate the improvement of the patients living quarters, working to increase ventilation and creating space to prevent the spread of the infection. Some promoters even deliver medicine directly to patients to ensure adherence. Promoters are compensated with food baskets.
By its completion in 2011, the consortium will have established centers that will be used exclusively for the treatment of tuberculosis in 19 hospitals throughout the nation, and 12 health centers in the regions of Lima and Callao, health personnel in 25 health centers nationally, 20 representatives from local community watch groups and 715 community health agents. In addition to TB patients, the initiative directly benefits 1,368 patients with MDR-TB, and 120 patients suffering from XDR-TB.
ADRA Peru, which began work in 1965, is recognized today as one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the country. Peru has only 5% of the population of Latin America, and yet it accounts for 25% of all recorded cases of TB for the region. This $4.2 million initiative is being funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and implemented by CARE Peru in the regions of Ica, Arequipa, La Libertad, Piura, Lambayeque, Cusco, Ancash, Junin, Puno, Lima, and Callao.
