Community tuberculosis screening, testing and care, Uganda.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a community-based tuberculosis and leprosy intervention in which village health teams and health workers conduct door-to-door tuberculosis screening, targeted screenings and contact tracing. Methods: We conducted a before-and-after implementation study in Uganda to assess the effectiveness of the community tuberculosis intervention by looking at reach, outputs, adoption and effectiveness of the intervention. Campaign 1 was conducted in March 2022 and campaign 2 in September 2022. We calculated percentages of targets achieved and compared case notification rates during the intervention with corresponding quarters in the previous year. We also assessed the leprosy screening. Findings: Over 5 days, campaign 1 screened 1 289 213 people (2.9% of the general population), of whom 179 144 (13.9%) fulfilled the presumptive tuberculosis criteria, and 4043 (2.3%) were diagnosed with bacteriologically-confirmed tuberculosis; 3710 (91.8%) individuals were linked to care. In campaign 2, 5 134 056 people (11.6% of the general population) were screened, detecting 428 444 (8.3%) presumptive tuberculosis patients and 8121 (1.9%) bacteriologically-confirmed tuberculosis patients; 5942 individuals (87.1%) were linked to care. The case notification rate increased from 48.1 to 59.5 per 100 000 population in campaign 1, with a case notification rate ratio of 1.24 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.22-1.26). In campaign 2, the case notification rate increased from 45.0 to 71.6 per 100 000 population, with a case notification rate ratio of 1.59 (95% CI: 1.56-1.62). Of the 176 patients identified with leprosy, 137 (77.8%) initiated treatment. Conclusion: This community tuberculosis screening initiative is effective. However, continuous monitoring and adaptations are needed to overcome context-specific implementation challenges.

Strategies to resolve the gap in adolescent tuberculosis care at four health facilities in Uganda: The teenager's TB pilot project.

In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) globally and 11.3% were children. About 40% of children aged five to fourteen years with TB are missed annually. In Uganda, 44% of adolescents with chronic cough of more than two weeks do not seek care from health facilities. Therefore, strategies to promote health care-seeking behaviour among adolescents were urgently needed to resolve the gap. In regard to this, the research project utilized a before and after design, in which the number of adolescents (10-19years) enrolled in the project health facilities were compared before and after the intervention. The intervention package that comprised of tuberculosis awareness and screening information was developed together with adolescents, thus; a human-centred approach was used. The package consisted of TB screening cards, poster messages and a local song. The song was broadcasted in the community radios. Poster messages were deployed in the community by the village health teams (VHTS). The TB screening cards were given to TB positive and presumptive adults to screen adolescents at home. Adolescents that were found with TB symptoms were referred to the project health facilities. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of eligible adolescents were collected in a period of six months from Kawolo, Iganga, Gombe and Kiwoko health facilities. To determine the effectiveness of the package, before and after intervention data were equally collected. A total of 394 adolescents were enrolled, majority (76%) were school going. The intervention improved adolescent TB care seeking in the four project health facilities. The average number of adolescents screened increased from 159 to 309 (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.9, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.9, 2.0]). Those presumed to have TB increased from 13 to 29(IRR = 2.2, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.9, 2.5]). The ones tested with GeneXpert increased in average from 8 to 28(IRR = 3.3, P<0.001, 95% CI [2.8, 3.8]). There was a minimal increase in the average monthly number of adolescents with a positive result of 0.8, from 1.6 to 2.4(p = 0.170) and linkage to TB care services of 1.1, from 2 to 3.1(p = 0.154). The project improved uptake of TB services among adolescents along the TB care cascade. We recommend a robust and fully powered randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Package.

The burden of severe asthma in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from the African Severe Asthma Project.

Background: Severe asthma is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization, but its burden in Africa is unknown. Objective: We sought to determine the burden (prevalence, mortality, and activity and work impairment) of severe asthma in 3 countries in East Africa: Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Methods: Using the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society case definition of severe asthma, we analyzed for the prevalence of severe asthma (requiring Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] steps 4-5 asthma medications for the previous year to achieve control) and severe refractory asthma (remains uncontrolled despite treatment with GINA steps 4-5 asthma medications) in a cohort of 1086 asthma patients who had been in care for 12 months and had received all GINA-recommended medications. Asthma control was assessed by the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ). Results: Overall, the prevalence of severe asthma and severe refractory asthma was 25.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1-28.3) and 4.6% (95% CI, 3.5-6.0), respectively. Patients with severe asthma were (nonsevere vs severe vs severe refractory) older (39, 42, 45 years, P = .011), had high skin prick test reactivity (67.1%, 76.0%, 76.0%, P = .004), had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (81%, 61%, 55.5%, P < .001), had lower quality of life score (129, 127 vs 121, P < .001), and had higher activity impairment (10%, 30%, 50%, P < .001). Factors independently associated with severe asthma were hypertension comorbidity; adjusted odds ratio 2.21 (1.10-4.47), P = .027, high bronchial hyperresponsiveness questionnaire score; adjusted odds ratio 2.16 (1.01-4.61), P = .047 and higher ACQ score at baseline 2.80 (1.55-5.08), P = .001. Conclusion: The prevalence of severe asthma in Africa is high and is associated with high morbidity and poor quality of life.

Using intersectional gender analysis to identify challenges in tuberculosis care at four health care facilities in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) care could be considered as a continuum from symptom recognition, decision to seek care, diagnosis, treatment initiation and treatment completion, with care along the continuum influenced by several factors. Gender dimensions could influence TB care, and indeed, more men than women are diagnosed with TB each year. The study was done to identify social stratifiers that intersect with gender to influence TB care. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative study was done at four health facilities in 3 districts in central Uganda between October 2020 and December 2020. Data was collected from patients seeking a diagnosis or on TB treatment through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Key themes around gender guided by a gender and intersectionality lens were developed and thereafter thematic content analysis was done. RESULTS: Women have increased vulnerability to TB due to bio mass exposure through roles like cooking. Women have increased access to health care services as they interface with the health care system frequently given their role as child bearers and child care givers. Men have a duty to provide for their families and this most often is prioritised over healthcare seeking, and together with belief that they are powerful beings leads to poor healthcare seeking habits and delays in healthcare seeking. Decisions on when and where to seek care were not straightforward for women, who most often rely on their husbands/partners to make decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women experience challenges to TB care, and that these challenges are deeply rooted in roles assigned to them and further compounded by masculinity. These challenges need to be addressed through intersectional gender responsive interventions if TB control is to be improved.

Continental concerted efforts to control the seventh outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Uganda: The first 90 days of the response.

On 20th September 2022, Uganda declared the 7th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan Ebola strain following the confirmation of a case admitted at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Upon confirmation, the Government of Uganda immediately activated the national incident management system to initiate response activities. Additionally, a multi-country emergency stakeholder meeting was held in Kampala; convening Ministers of Health from neighbouring Member States to undertake cross-border preparedness and response actions. The outbreak spanned 69 days and recorded 164 cases (142 confirmed, 22 probable), 87 recoveries and 77 deaths (case fatality ratio of 47%). Nine out of 136 districts were affected with transmission taking place in 5 districts but spilling over in 4 districts without secondary transmission. As part of the response, the Government galvanised robust community mobilisation and initiated assessment of medical counter measures including therapeutics, new diagnostics and vaccines. This paper highlights the response actions that contributed to the containment of this outbreak in addition to the challenges faced with a special focus on key recommendations for better control of future outbreaks.

Implementation of evidence-based multiple focus integrated intensified TB screening to end TB (EXIT-TB) package in East Africa: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We qualitatively evaluated the implementation of an Evidence-Based Multiple Focus Integrated Intensified TB Screening package (EXIT-TB) in the East African region, aimed at increasing TB case detection and number of patients receiving care. OBJECTIVE: We present the accounts of participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia regarding the implementation of EXIT-TB, and suggestions for scaling up. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used to gather insights from purposefully selected healthcare workers, community health workers, and other stakeholders. A total of 27, 13, 14, and 19 in-depth interviews were conducted in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia respectively. Data were transcribed and translated simultaneously and then thematically analysed. RESULTS: The EXIT-TB project was described to contribute to increased TB case detection, improved detection of Multidrug-resistant TB patients, reduced delays and waiting time for diagnosis, raised the index of TB suspicion, and improved decision-making among HCWs. The attributes of TB case detection were: (i) free X-ray screening services; (ii) integrating TB case-finding activities in other clinics such as Reproductive and Child Health clinics (RCH), and diabetic clinics; (iii), engagement of CHWs, policymakers, and ministry level program managers; (iv) enhanced community awareness and linkage of clients; (v) cooperation between HCWs and CHWs, (vi) improved screening infrastructure, (vii) the adoption of the new simplified screening criteria and (viii) training of implementers. The supply-side challenges encountered ranged from disorganized care, limited space, the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate human resources, inadequate knowledge and expertise, stock out of supplies, delayed maintenance of equipment, to absence of X-ray and GeneXpert machines in some facilities. The demand side challenges ranged from delayed care seeking, inadequate awareness, negative beliefs, fears towards screening, to financial challenges. Suggestions for scaling up ranged from improving service delivery, access to diagnostic equipment and supplies, and infrastructure, to addressing client fears and stigma. CONCLUSION: The EXIT-TB package appears to have contributed towards increasing TB case detection and reducing delays in TB treatment in the study settings. Addressing the challenges identified is needed to maximize the impact of the EXIT-TB intervention.

Association of fluvoxamine with mortality and symptom resolution among inpatients with COVID-19 in Uganda: a prospective interventional open-label cohort study.

Prior research suggests that fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder, could be repurposed against COVID-19. We undertook a prospective interventional open-label cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine among inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Uganda. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital discharge and complete symptom resolution. We included 316 patients, of whom 94 received fluvoxamine in addition to standard care [median age, 60 years (IQR = 37.0); women, 52.2%]. Fluvoxamine use was significantly associated with reduced mortality [AHR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.19-0.53; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.46] and with increased complete symptom resolution [AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.53-5.51; p < 0.001, NNT = 4.44]. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. These effects did not significantly differ by clinical characteristic, including vaccination status. Among the 161 survivors, fluvoxamine was not significantly associated with time to hospital discharge [AHR 0.81, 95% CI (0.54-1.23), p = 0.32]. There was a trend toward greater side effects with fluvoxamine (7.45% versus 3.15%; SMD = 0.21; χ2 = 3.46, p = 0.06), most of which were light or mild in severity and none of which were serious. One hundred mg of fluvoxamine prescribed twice daily for 10 days was well tolerated and significantly associated with reduced mortality and with increased complete symptom resolution, without a significant increase in time to hospital discharge, among inpatients with COVID-19. Large-scale randomized trials are urgently needed to confirm these findings, especially for low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccines and approved treatments against COVID-19 is limited.

Tracing Makerere University's 100 years' contribution to lung science/medicine.

Dear Editor, African Health Sciences Journal, This year, 2022, Makerere University will be celebrating 100 years of existence. As current lung science/medicine experts, we felt it as important to trace the University's contribution to lung science and medicine. In this letter, we trace and describe some of the early work done by Makerere University/Mulago Hospital affiliated scientists, identify prominent players in lung science over the 100 years, and present the university's scholarly contribution to this field, as available in online databases. We include both Makerere University and Mulago Hospital affiliated scientists, because for many years, staff of these two institutions have worked together in teaching, research and patient care.

Cardiovascular risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and its risk factors are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined the prevalence and associations of CVD risk factors among people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) in Uganda. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled people with microbiologically confirmed DRTB at four treatment sites in Uganda between July to December 2021. The studied CVD risk factors were any history of cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM) hypertension, high body mass index (BMI), central obesity and dyslipidaemia. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to determine factors independently associated with each of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and central obesity. RESULTS: Among 212 participants, 118 (55.7%) had HIV. Overall, 196 (92.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 88.0-95.3) had ≥ 1 CVD risk factor. The prevalence; 95% CI of individual CVD risk factors was: dyslipidaemia (62.5%; 55.4-69.1), hypertension (40.6%; 33.8-47.9), central obesity (39.3%; 32.9-46.1), smoking (36.3%; 30.1-43.1), high BMI (8.0%; 5.0-12.8) and DM (6.5%; 3.7-11.1). Dyslipidaemia was associated with an increase in glycated haemoglobin (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.14, 95%CI 1.06-1.22). Hypertension was associated with rural residence (aPR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.14) and previous history of smoking (aPR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21-0.98). Central obesity was associated with increasing age (aPR 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.03), and elevated diastolic blood pressure (aPR 1.03 95%CI 1.00-1.06). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of CVD risk factors among people with DRTB in Uganda, of which dyslipidaemia is the commonest. We recommend integrated services for identification and management of CVD risk factors in DRTB.

A systematic review of strategies adopted to scale up COVID-19 testing in low-, middle- and high-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook a systematic review of strategies adopted to scale up COVID-19 testing in countries across income levels to identify successful approaches and facilitate learning. METHODS: Scholarly articles in English from PubMed, Google scholar and Google search engine describing strategies used to increase COVID-19 testing in countries were reviewed. Deductive analysis to allocate relevant text from the reviewed publications/reports to the a priori themes was done. MAIN RESULTS: The review covered 32 countries, including 11 high-income, 2 upper-middle-income, 13 lower-middle-income and 6 low-income countries. Most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increased the number of laboratories available for testing and deployed sample collection and shipment to the available laboratories. The high-income countries (HICs) that is, South Korea, Germany, Singapore and USA developed molecular diagnostics with accompanying regulatory and legislative framework adjustments to ensure the rapid development and use of the tests. HICs like South Korea leveraged existing manufacturing systems to develop tests, while the LMICs leveraged existing national disease control programmes (HIV, tuberculosis, malaria) to increase testing. Continent-wide, African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention-led collaborations increased testing across most African countries through building capacity by providing testing kits and training. CONCLUSION: Strategies taken appear to reflect the existing systems or economies of scale that a particular country could leverage. LMICs, for example, drew on the infectious disease control programmes already in place to harness expertise and laboratory capacity for COVID-19 testing. There however might have been strategies adopted by other countries but were never published and thus did not appear anywhere in the searched databases.

Factors Associated with Linkage to HIV Care Among Oral Self-Tested HIV Positive Adults in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: HIV oral self-testing (HIVST) was rolled out in Uganda in 2018. However, data reported by public facilities show that less than 60% of oral self-tested HIV positive adults were linked to HIV care. This study set out to determine the factors associated with linkage to HIV care among adults with positive HIV oral self-test results in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Nabweru HCIII and Entebbe Hospital in central Uganda. The study reviewed medical records from January 2019 to May 2020 and successfully invited 144 self-tested HIV positive participants for the quantitative interview process. Data on socio-demographics and health-related characteristics were collected. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was used to determine the factors associated with linkage to care. RESULTS: The proportion of participants linked to HIV care was 69.6% (100/144). The majority of the participants were female (71%), with a mean age of 29 (±8) years. Participants within age groups of 31-35 years and 41-60 years, who used directly assisted HIVST, disclosed their HIV status to their sexual partners, are ready to start ART, do not consume alcohol and having a supportive sexual partner were more likely to be linked to HIV care. Single participants, separated/divorced, female, fear unfair treatment after HIV status disclosure and those who fear ART side effects were less likely to be linked to HIV care. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that less than 70% were linked to HIV care. It also shows that HIV status disclosure, readiness to start ART, type of HIVST used, fear of ART side effects, and being divorced/separated negatively associated with linkage to HIV care among self-test HIV positive adults. There is a need for HIV programs to address the above factors to improve linkage to HIV care to realize the national targets towards the UNAIDs 2035 goals.

Double Face Mask Use for COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Among Medical Students at Makerere University: A Cross-Section Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The second wave of COVID-19 greatly affected the health care and education systems in Uganda, due to the infection itself and the lockdowns instituted. Double masking has been suggested as a safe alternative to double-layered masks, where the quality of the latter may not be guaranteed. This study aimed to determine patterns of double mask use among undergraduate medical students at Makerere University, Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. All students enrolled at the College of Health Sciences; Makerere University received the link to this questionnaire to participate. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with double mask use. RESULTS: A total of 348 participants were enrolled. The majority (61.8%) were male; the median age was 23 (range: 32) years. Up to 10.3%, 42%, and 4.3% reported past COVID-19 positive test, history of COVID-19 symptoms, and having comorbidities, respectively. Up to 40.8% had been vaccinated against COVID-19. More than half (68.7%) believed double masking was superior to single masking for COVID-19 IPC, but only 20.5% reported double masking. Participants with a past COVID-19 positive test [aOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.8, p = 0.026] and participants who believed double masks had a superior protective advantage [aOR: 20; 95% CI: 4.9-86.2, p < 0.001] were more likely to double mask. Lack of trust in the quality of masks (46.5%) was the most frequent motivation for double masking, while excessive sweating (68.4%), high cost of masks (66.4%), and difficulty in breathing (66.1%) were the major barriers. CONCLUSION: Very few medical students practice double masking to prevent COVID-19. Coupled with inconsistencies in the availability of the recommended four-layered masks in Uganda and increased exposure in lecture rooms and clinical rotations, medical students may be at risk of contracting COVID-19.

Biobanking: Strengthening Uganda's Rapid Response to COVID-19 and Other Epidemics.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a fatal disease of global public health concern. Measures to reduce its spread critically depend on timely and accurate diagnosis of virus-infected individuals. Biobanks can have a pivotal role in elucidating disease etiology, translation, and advancing public health. In this article, we show how a biobank has been a critical resource in the rapid response to coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda established a COVID-19 biobank. Standard Operating Procedures for sample and data collection, sample processing, and storage were developed. An e-questionnaire data tool was used to collect sociodemographic factors. Samples were collected at 7-day intervals from patients, analyzed for key parameters, processed, annotated, characterized, and stored at appropriate temperatures. Results: Stored samples have been used in validation of 17 diagnostic kits, the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay, as well as a sample pooling technique for mass screening and polymerase chain reaction assay validation. Kits that passed validation were deployed for mass screening boosting early detection, isolation, and treatment of COVID-19 cases. Also, 10 applications from researchers and biotech companies have been received and approved and 4 grants have been awarded Conclusion: The CoV-Bank has proven to be an invaluable resource in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, as samples have been resources in the validation and development of COVID-19 diagnostic tools, which are important in tracing and isolation of infected cases to confront, delay, and stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Perceptions of Adolescents and Health Workers Towards Adolescents' TB Diagnosis in Central Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Prompt diagnosis of TB among adolescents may reduce transmission and improve individual outcomes. However, TB diagnosis in adolescents is challenging. This study sought to understand challenges to adolescent TB diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore adolescents' and health workers' perspectives on challenges to TB diagnosis among adolescents seeking care at four secondary health care facilities in Uganda. Eight FGDs were conducted: four with 32 adolescents consulting for medical care and four with 34 health workers involved in TB care. RESULTS: Adolescents were aware of TB and associated risk factors and believed behaviours like smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for TB. They reported school schedules limit them from seeking TB care and have to miss school or wait for holidays to seek TB diagnosis. They noted school nurses do not take much interest in diagnosing TB and do not refer them to hospitals for further evaluation when they present with TB symptoms. Furthermore, adolescents reported cross-cutting issues like loss of trust in public health systems, encountering unfriendly, judgmental and uncooperative health workers. Health workers mentioned the school environment exposes adolescents to TB as the dormitories they sleep in are overcrowded. They indicated that it was difficult to make a diagnosis of TB in adolescents as the adolescents do not disclose health information. They reported fellow health workers perceive adolescents as being at low risk of TB as they believe most often adolescents are HIV negative and thus have reduced risk of TB. CONCLUSION: Adolescents present unique challenges that need to be addressed if TB diagnosis is to improve. These challenges could be handled by interventions that lead to minimal disruptions on school schedules, provision of adolescent-friendly services and intervention to build capacity of health care workers in the provision of adolescent-friendly services.

Impact of socio-economic factors on Tuberculosis treatment outcomes in north-eastern Uganda: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem and at 48%, Karamoja in North-Eastern Uganda has the lowest treatment success rate nationally. Addressing the social determinants of TB is crucial to ending TB. This study sought to understand the extent and ways in which socio-economic factors affect TB treatment outcomes in Karamoja. METHODS: We conducted a convergent parallel mixed methods study in 10 TB Diagnostic and Treatment Units. The study enrolled former TB patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible TB between April 2018 and March 2019. Unit TB and laboratory registers were reviewed to identify pre-treatment losses to follow-up. Four focus group discussions with former TB patients and 18 key informant interviews with healthcare workers were conducted. Principle component analysis was used to generate wealth quintiles that were compared to treatment outcomes using the proportion test. The association between sociodemographic characteristics and TB treatment outcomes was evaluated using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 313 participants were randomly selected from 1184 former TB patients recorded in the unit TB registers. Of these, 264 were contacted in the community and consented to join the study: 57% were male and 156 (59.1%) participants had unsuccessful treatment outcomes. The wealthiest quintile had a 58% reduction in the risk of having an unsuccessful treatment outcome (adj OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.99, p = 0.047). People who were employed in the informal sector (adj OR = 4.71, 95% CI 1.18-18.89, p = 0.029) and children under the age of 15 years who were not in school or employed (adj OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.11-6.62, p = 0.029) had significantly higher odds of unsuccessful treatment outcome. Analysis of the pre-treatment loss to follow-up showed that 17.2% of patients with pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed TB did not initiate treatment with a higher proportion among females (21.7%) than males (13.5%). Inadequate food, belonging to migratory communities, stigma, lack of social protection, drug stock-outs and transport challenges affected TB treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that low socio-economic status is associated with poor TB treatment outcomes emphasizing the need for multi- and cross-sectoral approaches and socio-economic enablers to optimise TB care.

Feasibility of using a mobile App to monitor and report COVID-19 related symptoms and people's movements in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Feasibility of mobile Apps to monitor diseases has not been well documented particularly in developing countries. We developed and studied the feasibility of using a mobile App to collect daily data on COVID-19 symptoms and people's movements. METHODS: We used an open source software "KoBo Toolbox" to develop the App and installed it on low cost smart mobile phones. We named this App "Wetaase" ("protect yourself"). The App was tested on 30 selected households from 3 densely populated areas of Kampala, Uganda, and followed them for 3 months. One trained member per household captured the data in the App for each enrolled member and uploaded it to a virtual server on a daily basis. The App is embedded with an algorithm that flags participants who report fever and any other COVID-19 related symptom. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants were enrolled; 61% female; median age 23 (interquartile range (IQR): 17-36) years. Usage of the App was 78% (95% confidence interval (CI): 77.0%-78.8%). It increased from 40% on day 1 to a peak of 81% on day 45 and then declined to 59% on day 90. Usage of the App did not significantly vary by site, sex or age. Only 57/6617 (0.86%) records included a report of at least one of the 17 listed COVID-19 related symptoms. The most reported symptom was flu/runny nose (21%) followed by sneezing (15%), with the rest ranging between 2% and 7%. Reports on movements away from home were 45% with 74% going to markets or shops. The participants liked the "Wetaase" App and recommended it for use as an alert system for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Usage of the "Wetaase" App was high (78%) and it was similar across the three study sites, sex and age groups. Reporting of symptoms related to COVID-19 was low. Movements were mainly to markets and shops. Users reported that the App was easy to use and recommended its scale up. We recommend that this App be assessed at a large scale for feasibility, usability and acceptability as an additional tool for increasing alerts on COVID-19 in Uganda and similar settings.

Gaps related to screening and diagnosis of tuberculosis in care cascade in selected health facilities in East Africa countries: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: East Africa countries (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda) are among tuberculosis high burdened countries globally. As we race to accelerate progress towards a world free of tuberculosis by 2035, gaps related to screening and diagnosis in the cascade care need to be addressed. METHODS: We conducted a three-year (2015-2017) retrospective study using routine program data in 21 health facilities from East Africa. Data abstraction were done at tuberculosis clinics, outpatient departments (OPD), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diabetic clinics, and then complemented with structured interviews with healthcare providers to identify possible gaps related to integration, screening, and diagnosis of tuberculosis. Data were analyzed using STATA™ Version 14.1. RESULTS: We extracted information from 49,454 presumptive TB patients who were registered in the 21 facilities between January 2015 and December 2017. A total of 9,565 tuberculosis cases were notified; 46.5% (4,450) were bacteriologically confirmed and 31.5% (3,013) were HIV-infected. Prevalence of tuberculosis among presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis cases was 17.4%. The outcomes observed were as follows: 79.8% (7,646) cured or completed treatment, 6.6% (634) died, 13.3% (1,270) lost to follow-up or undocumented and 0.4% (34) treatment failure. In all countries, tuberculosis screening was largely integrated at OPD and HIV clinics. High patient load, weak laboratory specimen referral system, shortage of trained personnel, and frequent interruption of laboratory supplies were the major cited challenges in screening and diagnosis of tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Screening and diagnostic activities were frequently affected by scarcity of human and financial resources. Tuberculosis screening was mainly integrated at OPD and HIV clinics, with less emphasis on the other health facility clinics. Closing gaps related to TB case finding and diagnosis in developing countries requires sustainable investment for both human and financial resources and strengthen the integration of TB activities within the health system.