Background Uganda and Zimbabwe, two high burden tuberculosis (TB) countries, are currently experiencing an increasing prevalence of diabetes, especially in the urban capitals. Although it is well-known that diabetes increases the risk of developing TB, there is currently no policy or routine screening for diabetes among people with TB in the two countries. The epidemic of diabetes therefore poses a threat to TB control by increasing the numbers of TB cases and worsening the treatment outcomes in patients with the two co-morbidities. Objectives The aim of this project is to promote diabetes diagnosis and test the feasibility of routine diabetes screening among people with TB in Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The project will target high volume clinics located in the two capital cities, Kampala and Harare, and prioritise facilities conversant and experienced with similar collaborative initiatives such as TB/HIV comorbidity. Regional stakeholder meetings will be initiated in order to increase awareness of the link between diabetes and TB and improve the collaboration between the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NLTP) and Non Communicable Disease (NCD) program in the two countries to ensure detection and proper management of diabetes among people with TB and vice versa. Workshops with health care workers and stakeholders will be held to develop guidelines and educational materials for screening and management of diabetes among people with TB. In order to ensure capacity building, a minimum of 30 health care workers from the 10 TB clinics in each country will be trained in the linkage of diabetes and TB and in routine screening of diabetes in people with TB.
• 13 doctors, 103 nurses and 11 clinical officers were trained on diagnosis and management of TB patients with diabetes • More than 2,500 people with TB screened for diabetes in Zimbabwe; 132 people with diabetes to be provided care through referral in Zimbabwe• More than 5,800 people with TB screened for diabetes in Uganda; 106 people with diabetes to be provided care through referral in Uganda • 4 workshops organised for health care workers and stakeholders • Two regional meetings held• 26 supervisory and mentorship visits at each clinic• 6 technical working group review meetings held