📋 Tender Overview
With funding from Korea International Cooperation Agency KOICA IOM with implementing partner Klibur Domin Foundation KD in coordination with Ministry of Health MoH National Tuberculosis Program NTP is conducting community-based active TB screening project aimed to increase TB detection from hard-to-reach areas of Bobonaro Baucau Covalima Dili MetinaroAtauro and Ermera.The project has successfully installed GeneXpert IV module machines at Ermera Baucau Atauro and Bobonaro. The project uses mobile health team equipped with portable digital X-ray machines and aims to identify trace TB cases particularly from hard-to- reach areas of target municipalities who would otherwise be missed using conventional methods of TB diagnosis.Timor-Lestes NTP is an active partner and provides necessary follow up and treatment of the diagnosed cases.PROJECT SUMMARYSince the official launch in September 2020 the project has conducted series of community-based screening activities and has simultaneously trained various health care workers across the project target municipalities.During this process the project despite all challenges of COVID- 19 in the year 2021 made a successful contribution of 11 of total TB cases identified in TimorLeste. Similarly with improvement in screening approach and learning from the pandemic adjustments were made in 2022 where door-to-door screening activity together with improved advocacy for TB screening the project made a significant and improved contribution of 15 of all TB cases identified in Timor-Leste.Further the equipment procured through the project namely the portable digital Xray machines and GeneXpert Machines were wisely used for benefit of target population. IOM trained more than 10 radiographers in operating the new technology 61 medical doctors in digital CXR interpretation and more than 10 laboratory technicians in operating GeneXpert machines. Project also successfully trained 787 PSFs regarding new NTP TB guideline. All trainings were conducted in coordination with NTP and health department of each target municipality. Trained individuals are actively involved in screening activities which further serves as On-the-Job training OJT.Throughout the project life with timely risk analysis and communication IOM procurement unit made sure of uninterrupted supply of consumables including much needed GeneXpert Cartridges. The project introduced Xpert MTBRIF ULTRA cartridges in Timor-Leste in November 2021 and significantly reduced the time required for testing.Apart from the project requirement the GeneXpert machines installed through this project are also programmed and can be used in diagnosing other diseases like COVID HIV Hepatitis etc. Particularly in 2021 the KOICA funded GnX installation of Baucau Bobonaro and Ermera made a huge contribution in helping MoH in early diagnosis of COVID cases.Likewise IOM in coordination with KOICA frequently supports the MoH initiated outreach activity by providing portable digital Xray machines to locations not covered by the project.The project has not only effectively supported MoH in its fight against TB but beyond project goals have supported in fighting other diseases as well. Transforming an idea into reality of mobile health clinic which could reach further into these hard-to- reach communities of Timor-Leste making a sustainable yet affordable approach.
