Uganda improves tuberculosis detection through home screenings

A pilot project in Uganda is testing new methods to improve the detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Running from November 2023 to September 2024, the project aims to help household contacts of TB patients, who are at a higher risk of infection. So far, 521 TB patients and over 1,900 of their household contacts have participated. The project focused on innovative approaches such as home visits and chest X-rays. These strategies are designed to increase TB case detection in areas where the disease is common. In 2023, only 21% of household contacts globally received preventive treatment for TB, demonstrating the need for improved outreach. During the screening, 90% of contacts were checked for TB symptoms, with 18.5% showing signs of the disease. As a result, 80 new TB cases were identified, with many discovered through chest X-rays rather than symptoms alone. The project also provided preventive treatment to nearly 1,500 eligible contacts. Impressively, 82.8% of them started treatment, and 95.1% completed it. This suggests that shorter treatment courses may encourage more patients to stick with their therapy. The project's success contributes to global TB control efforts, particularly the End TB Strategy, which aims for a 90% reduction in TB incidence by 2030. However, challenges remain, including the need for better coverage of asymptomatic individuals. In addition, another study conducted on TB patients also highlighted the importance of monitoring treatment with sputum tests. Those who did not receive sputum monitoring were less likely to successfully complete therapy. These findings underline the need for careful follow-up in TB treatment. Both the pilot project and the TB/HIV study in Uganda emphasize ongoing improvements in case finding and treatment adherence. They show promise for better outcomes in managing TB in high-burden areas.