The TREATS Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence Survey commenced in South Africa with a pilot in Wellington from 4-8 March 2019. The intensive diagnostic phase (IDP) subsequently started in Luvuyo site in Khayelitsha township on 25 March 2019. The overall aim of the IDP was to provide a deeper understanding of the newer diagnostic tools used in a prevalence survey setting. The reception by the community was extremely positive with much interest shown in the project. The IDP ran for four months and ended on 31 July 2019. At the end of the IDP a total of 4,596 community members were enumerated with 3,180 (69 percent) eligible for participation in the study and invited to be tested at the site.
“We are thrilled to have completed the IDP in Luvuyo,” said James Michael Burnett, TREATS Prevalence Study Lead in South Africa. “Through the hard work and dedication of the team, a total of 2,060 participants attended the site with 2,022 being enrolled. Of the 2,022 enrolled participants, a total of 477 participants were sputum eligible and returned to the site the following day in order to receive their sputum results and to be assessed by the Medical Officer.
“Through the implementation of specific retention strategies, the team was able to ensure that 452 (95 percent) participants returned to be assessed by the Medical Officer and were referred for treatment as needed. All in all a fantastic team effort!”
The OneStopTB truck will be deployed in the remaining eight selected PopART communities to screen and test a total of 24 000 participants for TB, and will spend approximately two to three months in each community. Through active community engagement and involvement of the Community Advisory Board, it is hoped that the project will provide opportunities for the local community to understand and participate in TB research.
