Through two projects focused on community outreach and case finding in Myanmar, The Union has extended TB screening, information and support to 24,413 people, and has assisted 2,158 people to access a TB diagnosis and receive treatment.
The two projects, Challenge TB – a USAID-funded initiative – and PICTS (Programme to Increase Catchment of TB Suspects) supported by the Global Fund, cover a population of 3.9 million people between them. Working with the National TB Programme (NTP), the Union Office in Myanmar seeks to spread awareness of TB, support people in treatment alongside their families, and end stigma around the illness.
An extensive network of volunteers support these aims, holding TB information sessions, conducting door-to-door outreach, conducting contact tracing, and transporting sputum samples between the community and clinics.
The Union also provides technical assistance to the NTP and works to further integrate TB and HIV testing and treatment services.
1056 volunteers supported communities, assisting 36,601 people with TB screening. Of those, 2,158 were diagnosed and connected to treatment.