Our work in Durban, South Africa examines the dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and non-communicable diseases (NCD) and works to develop appropriate linkages to care for both conditions. Partnering with organizations like Advance Access & Delivery and IRD South Africa, as well as National, Provincial, and District health departments, we are conducting a five-year screening program that integrates active case finding for TB in communuities through mobile X-ray screening with screening for diabetes and hypertension with linkages to care and treatment to address both epidemics.
The project will work across nine health facilities and the communities that they serve in the southern portion of eThekwini district. This initiative presents a significant opportunity to understand best practices for integrating and scaling TB and NCD services in high-burden settings and in informal settlements and areas where infrastructure is weak. It also produces actionable recommendations for other locations with similar epidemiological challenges. One of the priorities of this project, in coordination with District partners, is supporting patients while on treatment through food support and delivery of medicines and increasing the number of community-based support groups. Advance Access and Delivery South Africa is currently leading the roll out of point-of-care HbA1C machines as part of this project, and is being advised closely on the roll out and sharing of this initiative by the District.