Bridging the gap: Survey highlights challenges and solutions in outreach and identification of people with inherited bleeding disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) are genetic conditions that affect blood clotting, leading to complications such as prolonged or spontaneous bleeding into muscles or joints. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. However, effective patient outreach and identification programs for IBD face significant challenges globally. AIM: This study aimed to identify successful patient outreach initiatives for IBD, barriers encountered during implementation, and approaches used to overcome them. METHODS: The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) conducted a survey of its national member organizations and other patient associations, totalling 153 organizations, to identify common strategies, barriers to their implementation, and solutions for outreach and the identification of people with IBD. The survey consisted of both closed-ended and open-ended questions, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Common challenges included resource and sustainability-related aspects such as financial constraints, limited lab equipment for diagnosis, and inadequate government commitment. Significant barriers also encompassed physical/geographical challenges like difficulty accessing remote areas, and inadequate logistical support and transportation. Seven themes emerged to enhance patient outreach: resource mobilization; awareness-raising and advocacy; knowledge and capacity building; collaboration and partnership; decentralization of services; improved logistical support and infrastructure; utilization of technology and innovation; and financial aid and incentives. CONCLUSION: Multistakeholder collaboration, coupled with secured government commitment, is crucial for improving global outreach, diagnosis rates, and access to care for individuals with IBD. Customized outreach programs should consider regional contexts, financial constraints, and prioritize innovation.

Impact of horizontal approach in vertical program: continuous quality improvement of malaria and tuberculosis diagnostic services at primary-level medical laboratories in the context of HIV care and treatment program in Ethiopia.

The use of standardized tools for continuous quality improvement of laboratory services is crucial to identify service gaps, plan targeted interventions, and prove successes. Laboratory quality improvement tools (LQITs) were developed and applied for 18 months at five health centers and one faith-based hospital laboratories in Southwest Showa Zone in Ethiopia to assess and monitor the quality of malaria and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy total testing processes. For the six laboratories, baseline malaria microscopy scores were 55%, 42%, 52%, 55%, 54%, and 61%. Similarly, baseline AFB microscopy scores were 49%, 41%, 46%, 58%, 44%, and 70%. On the sixth quarter for the first four laboratories and the fourth quarter for the last two laboratories, malaria microscopy scores were 89%, 88%, 88%, 90%, 88%, and 89%, whereas AFB microscopy scores were 90%, 88%, 89%, 95%, 88%, and 90%. All laboratories scored above 85% for both services at the end of interventions.