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Background India accounts for about one-quarter of people contracting tuberculosis (TB) disease annually and nearly one-third of TB deaths globally. Many Indians do not navigate all care cascade stages to receive TB treatment and achieve recurrence-free survival. Guided by a population/exposure/comparison/outcomes (PECO) framework, we report findings of a systematic review to identify factors contributing to unfavorable outcomes across each care cascade gap for TB disease in India. Methods and findings We defined care cascade gaps as comprising people with confirmed or presumptive TB who did not: start the TB diagnostic workup (Gap 1), complete the workup (Gap 2), start treatment (Gap 3), achieve treatment success (Gap 4), or achieve TB recurrence-free survival (Gap 5). Three systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2000 to August 14, 2023 were conducted. We identified articles evaluating factors associated with unfavorable outcomes for each gap (reported as adjusted odds, relative risk, or hazard ratios) and, among people experiencing unfavorable outcomes, reasons for these outcomes (reported as proportions), with specific quality or risk of bias criteria for each gap. Findings were organized into person-, family-, and society-, or health system-related factors, using a social-ecological framework. Factors associated with unfavorable outcomes across multiple cascade stages included: male sex, older age, poverty-related factors, lower symptom severity or duration, undernutrition, alcohol use, smoking, and distrust of (or dissatisfaction with) health services. People previously treated for TB were more likely to seek care and engage in the diagnostic workup (Gaps 1 and 2) but more likely to suffer pretreatment loss to follow-up (Gap 3) and unfavorable treatment outcomes (Gap 4), especially those who were lost to follow-up during their prior treatment. For individual care cascade gaps, multiple studies highlighted lack of TB knowledge and structural barriers (e.g., transportation challenges) as contributing to lack of care-seeking for TB symptoms (Gap 1, 14 studies); lack of access to diagnostics (e.g., X-ray), non-identification of eligible people for testing, and failure of providers to communicate concern for TB as contributing to non-completion of the diagnostic workup (Gap 2, 17 studies); stigma, poor recording of patient contact information by providers, and early death from diagnostic delays as contributing to pretreatment loss to follow-up (Gap 3, 15 studies); and lack of TB knowledge, stigma, depression, and medication adverse effects as contributing to unfavorable treatment outcomes (Gap 4, 86 studies). Medication nonadherence contributed to unfavorable treatment outcomes (Gap 4) and TB recurrence (Gap 5, 14 studies). Limitations include lack of meta-analyses due to the heterogeneity of findings and limited generalizability to some Indian regions, given the country's diverse population. Conclusions This systematic review illuminates common patterns of risk that shape outcomes for Indians with TB, while highlighting knowledge gaps-particularly regarding TB care for children or in the private sector-to guide future research. Findings may inform targeting of support services to people with TB who have higher risk of poor outcomes and inform multicomponent interventions to close gaps in the care cascade., Author(s): Tulip A. Jhaveri 1,2, Disha Jhaveri 3,4, Amith Galivanche 3, Maya Lubeck-Schricker 3, Dominic Voehler 3, Mei Chung 3,5, Pruthu Thekkur 6,7, Vineet Chadha 8, Ruvandhi Nathavitharana 9, Ajay [...]

Introduction: Screening household contacts of TB patients and providing TB preventive therapy (TPT) is a key intervention to end the TB epidemic. Global and timely implementation of TPT in household contacts, however, is dismal. We adapted the 7-1-7 timeliness metric designed to evaluate and respond to infectious disease outbreaks or pandemics, and assessed the feasibility, enablers and challenges of implementing this metric for screening and management of household contacts of index patients with bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB in Karachi city, Pakistan. Methods: We conducted an explanatory mixed methods study with a quantitative component (cohort design) followed by a qualitative component (descriptive design with focus group discussions). Results: From January-June 2023, 92% of 450 index patients had their household contacts line-listed within seven days of initiating anti-TB treatment ("first 7"). In 84% of 1342 household contacts, screening outcomes were ascertained within one day of line-listing ("next 1"). In 35% of 256 household contacts eligible for further evaluation by a medical officer (aged ≤5 years or with chest symptoms), anti-tuberculosis treatment, TPT or a decision for no drugs was made within seven days of symptom screening ("second 7"). The principal reason for not starting anti-tuberculosis treatment or TPT was failure to consult a medical officer: only 129(50%) of 256 contacts consulted a medical officer. Reasons for poor performance in the "second 7" component included travel costs to see a medical officer, loss of daily earnings and fear of a TB diagnosis. Field staff reported that timeliness metrics motivated them to take prompt action in household contact screening and TPT provision and they suggested these be included in national guidelines. Conclusions: Field staff found "7-1-7" timeliness metrics to be feasible and useful. Integration of these metrics into national guidelines could improve timeliness of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB within households of index patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The registration of individuals with designated primary medical care institutions (PMCIs) is a key step towards their empanelment with these PMCIs, supported by the Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka. We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess the extent of registration at nine selected PMCIs and understand the challenges therein. By June 2021, 36,999 (19.2%, 95% CI-19.0–19.4%) of the 192,358 catchment population allotted to these PMCIs were registered. At this rate, only 50% coverage would be achieved by the end of the project (December 2023). Proportions of those aged <35 years and males among those registered were lower compared to their general population distribution. Awareness activities regarding registration were conducted in most of the PMCIs, but awareness in the community was low. Poor registration coverage was due to a lack of dedicated staff for registration, misconceptions of health care workers about individuals needing to be registered, reliance on opportunistic or passive registration, and lack of monitoring mechanisms; these were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, there is an urgent need to address these challenges to improve registration coverage and ensure that all individuals are empaneled before the close of the project for it to have a meaningful impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Primary Healthcare System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka focuses on improving noncommunicable disease (NCD) care provision at primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess completeness of screening for NCD risk, linkage to care, and outcomes of diabetes/hypertension care at nine selected PMCIs, as well as to understand reasons for gaps. Against a screening coverage target of 50% among individuals aged ≥ 35 years, PMCIs achieved 23.3% (95% CI: 23.0–23.6%) because of a lack of perceived need for screening among the public and COVID-19-related service disruptions. Results of investigations and details of further referral were not documented in almost half of those screened. Post screening, 45% of those eligible for follow-up NCD care were registered at medical clinics. Lack of robust recording/tracking mechanisms and preference for private providers contributed to post-screening attrition. Follow-up biochemical investigations for monitoring complications were not conducted in more than 50% of diabetes/hypertension patients due to nonprescription of investigations by healthcare providers and poor uptake among patients because of nonavailability of investigations at PMCI, requiring them to avail services from the private sector, incurring out-of-pocket expenditure. Primary care strengthening needs to address these challenges to ensure successful integration of NCD care within PMCIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection are associated with increased mortality in people with HIV (PWH), and hyperglycemia is a common comorbidity in PWH. In this study, we used routinely collected clinical data to assess the associations between HBV and HCV seropositivity with all-cause mortality and whether this relationship differs by hyperglycemia status. Methods Eligible participants included adult PWH (≥15 years) who initiated antiretroviral therapy between May 2005 and June 2016 in Myanmar. HBV and HCV serostatus and hyperglycemia were measured at enrollment to HIV care using HBV surface antigen, HCV antibody tests, and random blood glucose (≥140 mg/dL), respectively. Results Among 27 722 PWH, 2260 (8%) were HBV seropositive, 2265 (9%) were HCV seropositive, 178 (0.6%) were HBV-HCV seropositive, and 1425 (5%) had hyperglycemia. During the median follow-up (interquartile range) of 3.1 (1.5–5.1) years, 3655 (13%) PWH died, and the overall mortality rate was 3.8 (95% CI, 3.7–3.9) per 100-person-years (PY). The mortality rate (per 100 PY) among PWH who were HBV seropositive was 4.6, among PWH who were HCV seropositive it was 5.1, and among PWH who were HBV-HCV seropositive it was 7.1. When stratified by glycemic status, the mortality rate was higher among patients with hyperglycemia compared with those with euglycemia (5.4 vs 4.0 per 100 PY), and the difference in mortality rate between patients with hyperglycemia and euglycemia was highest among those with HCV seropositivity (9.8 vs 5.0 per 100 PY). Conclusions Increased mortality rates associated with HBV and HCV seropositivity in PWH differed by their glycemic status. PWH with HCV seropositivity and hyperglycemia had the highest mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background National tuberculosis (TB) programmes in high-burden countries do not systematically assess severity at diagnosis followed by referral for inpatient care. Due to limited capacity, comprehensive assessment of all TB patients is not practical. In three districts of Gujarat (West India) in June 2021, we determined the feasibility of screening for severe illness by paramedical staff of public facilities and the burden of 'high risk for severe illness' at notification among adults (≥15 y of age) with TB. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the screening criteria for high risk for severe illness was the presence of any one of the following: body mass index (BMI) ≤14.0 kg/m2, BMI ≤16.0 kg/m2 with bilateral leg swelling, respiratory rate >24/min, oxygen saturation <94% or inability to stand without support. We summarized the feasibility indicators and burden using proportion (95% confidence interval [CI]) and median, as applicable. Results Of 626 notified adults, 87% were screened. The median time interval for screening was 3 d from notification and all indicators were collected in 97% of patients. The burden of high risk for severe illness was high, at 41.6% (95% CI 37.5 to 45.8). Conclusions High burden and feasibility (high coverage, acceptable time interval and minimal missing data) makes a strong case for routine screening of severe illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Primary Healthcare-System-Strengthening Project (PSSP) is implemented by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, with funding support from the World Bank for providing quality care through primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We used an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess progress and challenges in human resources, drug availability, laboratory services and the health management information system (HMIS) at PMCIs. We conducted a checklist-based assessment followed by in-depth interviews of healthcare workers in one PMCI each in all nine provinces. All PMCIs had medical/nursing officers, but data entry operators (44%) and laboratory technicians (33%) were mostly not available. Existing staff were assigned additional responsibilities in PSSP, decreasing their motivation and efficiency. While 11/18 (61%) essential drugs were available in all PMCIs, buffer stocks were not maintained in >50% due to poor supply chain management and storage infrastructure. Only 6/14 (43%) essential laboratory investigations were available in >50% of PMCIs, non-availability was due to shortages of reagents/consumables and lack of sample collection–transportation system. The HMIS was installed in PMCIs but its usage was sub-optimal due to perceived lack of utility, few trained operators and poor internet connectivity. The PSSP needs to address these bottlenecks as a priority to ensure sustainability and successful scale-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background India implements universal drug susceptibility testing (UDST) using rapid genotypic tests (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test CBNAAT - and line probe assay - LPA). to bridge the gap of diagnosis of multidrug/rifampicin-resistant TB. There is limited evidence assessing the implementation of UDST in India. We assessed the implementation among people with pulmonary TB notified from public facilities in October 2019 from Raichur (Karnataka), India. Methods A cohort study involving secondary data in routine programme settings was conducted. All people with TB underwent a rapid genotypic DST for rifampicin resistance followed by first line-LPA (FL-LPA) if sensitive and second line-LPA (SL-LPA) if resistant. Results Of 217 people, 15.7% (n=34) did not undergo rapid genotypic DST. Of 135 who were rifampicin-sensitive detected on CBNAAT, 68.1% (n=92) underwent FL-LPA, and out of the six rifampicin-resistant cases, 66.7% (n=4) underwent SL-LPA. Overall, 65.4% (142/217) completed the UDST algorithm. Children (aged <15 y) and people with bacteriological non-confirmation on microscopy were less likely to undergo rapid genotypic DST. Of 183 patients who underwent both rapid genotypic DST and sputum smear microscopy, 150 were bacteriologically confirmed and, of them, 9 (6%) were 'rapid DST-negative'. Conclusion We found gaps at various steps. There were a significant number of 'rapid DST-negative, smear-positive' patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Christian Lienhardt 1,*, Knut Lönnroth 1, Dick Menzies 2, Manica Balasegaram 3, Jeremiah Chakaya 4, Frank Cobelens 5, Jennifer Cohn 3, Claudia M. Denkinger 6, Thomas G. Evans 7, [...]

Background: As per national policy, all diagnosed tuberculosis patients in India are to be tested using Xpert® MTB/RIF assay at the district level to diagnose rifampicin resistance. Regardless of the result, samples are transported to the reference laboratories for further testing: first-line Line Probe Assay (FL-LPA) for rifampicin-sensitive samples and second-line LPA(SL-LPA) for rifampicin-resistant samples. Based on the results, samples undergo culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. We assessed among patients diagnosed with tuberculosis at 13 selected Xpert laboratories of Karnataka state, India, i) the proportion whose samples reached the reference laboratories and among them, proportion who completed the diagnostic algorithm ii) factors associated with non-reaching and non-completion and iii) the delays involved. Methods: This was a cohort study involving review of programme records. For each TB patient diagnosed between 1st July and 31st August 2018 at the Xpert laboratory, we tracked the laboratory register at the linked reference laboratory until 30th September (censor date) using Nikshay ID (a unique patient identifier), phone number, name, age and sex. Results: Of 1660 TB patients, 1208(73%) samples reached the reference laboratories and among those reached, 1124(93%) completed the algorithm. Of 1590 rifampicin-sensitive samples, 1170(74%) reached and 1104(94%) completed the algorithm. Of 64 rifampicin-resistant samples, only 35(55%) reached and 17(49%) completed the algorithm. Samples from rifampicin-resistant TB, extra-pulmonary TB and two districts were less likely to reach the reference laboratory. Non-completion was more likely among rifampicin-resistant TB and sputum-negative samples. The median time for conducting and reporting results of Xpert® MTB/RIF was one day, of FL-LPA 5 days and of SL-LPA16 days. Conclusion: These findings are encouraging given the complexity of the algorithm. High non-reaching and non-completion rates in rifampicin-resistant patients is a major concern. Future research should focus on understanding the reasons for the gaps identified using qualitative research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) is recognized as a major public health concern globally. In Armenia, the proportion of RR/MDR-TB is increasing among all people affected with TB. We conducted a nationwide cohort study involving analysis of programmatic data to investigate the rates of and factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes among patients with RR/MDR-TB registered by the national TB programme from 2014 to 2017 in Armenia. We used Cox regression to identify factors associated with the outcome. Among 451 RR/MDR-TB patients, 80% were men and median age was 46 years. Of them, 53 (11.8%) had extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and 132 (29.3%) had pre-XDR-TB. Almost half (224, 49.7%) of the patients had unfavourable treatment outcome, which included 26.8% loss to follow-up (LTFU), 13.3% failures and 9.5% deaths. In multivariable analysis, people with pre-XDR-TB [adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.13, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.16-4.55] and XDR-TB (aHR 4.08, 95% CI 2.45-6.79) had a higher risk of unfavourable outcomes. Patients receiving home-based treatment (71/451, 15.7%) and treatment with new drugs (172/451, 38.1%) had significantly lower risk (aHR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.72 and aHR 0.26, 95% CI 0.18-0.39) of unfavourable treatment outcome. The proportion of MDR-TB patients reaching favourable treatment outcome in Armenia was substantially lower than the recommended level (75%). The most common treatment outcome was LTFU indicating the need for further assessment of underlying determinants. Home-based treatment looks promising and future studies are required to see if expanding it to all RR/MDR-TB patients is feasible and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited evidence describing the safety and effectiveness of bedaquiline and delamanid containing regimens in children and adolescents with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) globally. In this nationwide descriptive cohort study from Belarus, we examined adverse drug events, time to culture conversion, treatment outcomes including post-treatment recurrence among children and adolescents (<18 years of age) treated with bedaquiline and/or delamanid containing regimens from 2015 to 2019. Of the 40 participants included (55% females; age range 10 17 years), 20 (50%) had XDR-TB and 15 (38%) had resistance to either fluoroquinolone or second-line injectable. Half of the patients received delamanid and another half received bedaquiline with one patient receiving both drugs. AEs were reported in all the patients. A total of 224 AEs were reported, most of which (76%) were mild in nature. Only 10 (5%) AEs were graded severe and one AE was graded life-threatening. A total of 7 AEs (3%) were classified as 'serious' and only one patient required permanent discontinuation of the suspected drug (linezolid). Most of the AEs (94%) were resolved before the end of treatment. All patients culture-positive at baseline (n=34) became culture-negative within three months of treatment. Median time to culture conversion was 1.1 months (interquartile range: 0.9-1.6). Two patients were still receiving treatment at the time of analysis. The remaining 38 patients successfully completed treatment. Among those eligible and assessed at 6 (n=32) and 12 months (n=27) post-treatment, no recurrences were detected. In conclusion, treatment of children and adolescents with MDR-TB and XDR-TB using bedaquiline and/or delamanid containing regimens was effective and had favourable safety profile. Achieving such excellent outcomes under programmatic settings is encouraging for other national tuberculosis programmes, which are in the process of introducing or scaling-up the use of these new drugs in their countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the sub-optimal treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), the National TB Programme in Belarus started using new drugs such as bedaquiline and delamanid in 2015-16. In this study, we assessed cardiovascular safety and effectiveness (culture conversion, treatment outcomes and post-treatment recurrence) of delamanid-containing regimens among adults (>18 years) with MDR-TB or XDR-TB from June 2016 to February 2018. This was a nationwide cohort study involving analysis of routinely collected programme data from the national and six regional TB hospitals. Cardiovascular adverse events (AEs) were classified as serious or not, based on international guidelines. We conducted Cox proportional hazards regression and calculated adjusted hazards ratio(aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate factors associated with AEs and unsuccessiul treatment outcomes (death, failure and lost-to-follow-up). Of 125 patients enrolled (35, 28% females; mean age 43 years), 85(68%) had XDR-TB. All the patients received delamanid and 20 patients received both delamanid and bedaquiline. Cardiovascular AEs (177 episodes in total) were observed in the majority (73%) of patients but were mild and managed easily. The most common cardiovascular AEs were QTcF prolongation (64/177, 36%) and other electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities (40/177, 23%). There were two instances of serious AEs leading to death, both of which were not related to delamanid. In multivariable analysis, male sex (aHR 0.72; 95% CI 0.51-0.99), and baseline ECG abnormalities (aHR 1.68; 95% CI 1.19-2.36) were associated with cardiovascular AEs. Median time to culture conversion was 1.1 months (interquartile range: 1.0-2.1). Culture conversion was observed in 115 (92%) patients at six months of treatment and 110 (88%) completed the treatment successfully. Loss to follow-up, failure and death were observed in 6%, 4% and 2% patients respectively. Among those assessed at 12 months post-treatment (n=33), recurrence was seen in one patient. The only factor associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes in multivariable analysis was baseline Hepatitis C co-infection (aHR 3.61; 95% CI 1.09-11.95). In conclusion, treatment using delamanid-containing regimens was effective and had a favourable safety profile. We hope our findings inform the development of national clinical guidelines and scale-up of new drugs in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization's framework for TB/HIV collaborative activities recommends provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) of patients with presumptive TB. In Myanmar, PITC among presumptive TB patients was started at the TB outpatient department (TB OPD) in Mandalay in 2014. In this study, we assessed the uptake of PITC among presumptive TB patients and the number needed to screen to find one additional HIV positive case, stratified by demographic and clinical characteristics. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using routinely collected data of presumptive TB patients who registered for PITC services at the TB OPD between August 2014 and December 2017 in Mandalay. Result: Among 21,989 presumptive TB patients registered, 9,796 (44.5%) had known HIV status at registration and 2,763 (28.2%) were people already living with HIV (PLHIV). Of the remainder, 85.3% (10,401/12,193) were newly tested for HIV. Patients <55 years old, those registered in 2014, 2015 and 2017, those employed and those having a history of TB contact had higher uptakes of HIV testing. Among 10,401 patients tested for HIV, 213 (2.1%) patients were newly diagnosed with HIV and this included 147 (69.0%) who were not diagnosed as having TB. The overall prevalence of HIV (previously known and newly diagnosed) among presumptive TB patients was 14.8% (2,976/20,119). The number needed to screen to find one additional HIV case was 48: this number was lower (i.e., a higher yield) among patients aged 35–44 years and among those who were divorced or separated. Conclusion: Uptake of HIV testing among eligible presumptive TB patients was high with four out of five presumptive TB patients being tested for HIV. This strategy detected many additional HIV-positive persons, and this included those who were not diagnosed with TB. We strongly recommend that this strategy be implemented nationwide in Myanmar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Peer education is an intervention within the voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC)–adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) linkages project in Bulawayo and Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe since 2016. Little is known if results extend beyond increasing knowledge. We therefore assessed the extent of and factors affecting referral by peer educators and receipt of HIV testing services (HTS), contraception, management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and VMMC services by young people (10–24years) counselled. Design: A cohort study involving all young people counselled by 95 peer educators during October–December 2018, through secondary analysis of routinely collected data. Setting: All ASRH and VMMC sites in Mt Darwin and Bulawayo. Participants: All young people counselled by 95 peer educators.Outcome measuresCensor date for assessing receipt of services was 31 January 2019. Factors (clients’ age, gender, marital and schooling status, counselling type, location, and peer educators’ age and gender) affecting non-referral and non-receipt of services (dependent variables) were assessed by log-binomial regression.Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) were calculated. Results: Of the 3370 counselled (66% men), 65% were referred for at least one service. 58% of men were referred for VMMC. Other services had 5%–13% referrals. Non-referral for HTS decreased with clients’ age (aRR: ~0.9) but was higher among group-counselled (aRR:1.16). Counselling by men (aRR: 0.77) and rural location (aRR: 0.61) reduced risks of non-referral for VMMC, while age increased it (aRR ≥1.59). Receipt of services was high (64%–80%) except for STI referrals (39%). Group counselling and rural location (aRR: ~0.52) and male peer educators (aRR: 0.76) reduced the risk of non-receipt of VMMC. Rural location increased the risk of non-receipt of contraception (aRR: 3.18) while marriage reduced it (aRR: 0.20). Conclusion: We found varying levels of referral ranging from 5.1% (STIs) to 58.3% (VMMC) but high levels of receipt of services. Type of counselling, peer educators’ gender and location affected receipt of services. We recommend qualitative approaches to further understand reasons for non-referrals and non-receipt of services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In 2017, India began a nationwide roll-out of IPT, but there is a lack of evidence on the implementation and the challenges. Objectives: Among PLHIV newly initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from January 2017 to June 2018, to: (i) assess the proportion who started and completed IPT and (ii) explore reasons for non-initiation and non-completion from health-care providers’ and patients’ perspectives. Methods: An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted in two selected districts of Karnataka, South India. A quantitative phase (cohort analysis of routinely collected program data) was followed by a qualitative phase involving thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with providers (n = 22) and patients (n = 8). Results: Of the 4020 included PLHIV, 3780 (94%) were eligible for IPT, of whom, 1496 (40%, 95% CI: 38%-41%) were initiated on IPT. Among those initiated, 423 (28.3%) were still on IPT at the time of analysis. Among 1073 patients with declared IPT outcomes 870 (81%, 95% CI: 79%-83%) had completed the six-month course of IPT. The main reason for IPT non-initiation and non-completion was frequent drug stock-outs. This required health-care providers to restrict IPT initiation in selected patient subgroups and earmark six-monthly courses for each patient to ensure that, once started, treatment was not interrupted. The other reasons for non-completion were adverse drug effects and loss to follow-up. Conclusion: The combined picture of ‘low IPT initiation and high completion’ seen in our study mirrors findings from other countries. Drug stock-out was the key challenge, which obliged health-care providers to prioritize ‘IPT completion’ over ‘IPT initiation’. There is an urgent need to improve the procurement and supply chain management of isoniazid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to assess the coverage and explore enablers and challenges in implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) cash incentive scheme for patients with tuberculosis (TB). Design This is a mixed methods study comprising a quantitative cohort and descriptive qualitative study. Setting The study was conducted in City TB Centre, Vadodara, Western India. Participants We used routinely collected data under the National TB Programme (NTP) on patients with TB notified between April and September 2018 and initiated on first-line anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) to assess the coverage of DBT. We interviewed NTP staff and patients to understand their perceptions. Primary and secondary outcome measures The study outcomes are receipt of DBT (primary), time to receipt of first instalment of DBT and treatment outcome. Results Among 1826 patients, 771 (42.2%) had received at least one instalment. Significantly more patients from the public sector had received DBT (at least one instalment) compared with those from private sector (adjusted relative risk (adjRR)=16.3; 95% CI 11.6 to 23.0). Among public sector patients, 7.3% (49/671) had received first instalment within 2 months of treatment initiation. Median (IQR) time to receipt of first instalment was 5.2 (3.4, 7.4) months. Treatment in private sector, residing outside city limits and being HIV non-reactive were significantly (p<0.001) associated with longer time to receipt. Timely and sufficient fund release, adequate manpower and adequate logistics in TB centre were the enablers. Inability of patients to open bank accounts due to lack of identity/residence proof, their reluctance to share personal information and inadequate support from private providers were the challenges identified in implementation. Conclusion During the early phase of DBT implementation, the coverage was low and there were delays in benefit transfer. Facilitating opening of bank accounts for patients by NTP staff and better support from private providers may improve DBT coverage. Repeat assessment of DBT coverage after streamlining of implementation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, global diabetes prevalence was 463 million. Diabetes increases the risk of TB and adverse treatment outcomes including death and relapse. Diabetes also increases the risk of severe disease, multi-organ failure, coagulopathy and death in COVID-19. TB and COVID-19 share many features, suggesting opportunities to integrate prevention, diagnosis and care. Three areas for further work are highlighted: better infection control in diabetes clinics, easier and quicker diagnosis using similar technology platforms and optimal blood glucose control. The funding and resources for COVID-19 should be harnessed to improve TB and diabetes care and achieve their respective sustainable development goal targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background WHO recommends retesting of HIV-positive patients before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is no evidence on implementation of retesting guidelines from programmatic settings. We aimed to assess implementation of HIV retesting among clients diagnosed HIV-positive in the public health facilities of Harare, Zimbabwe, in June 2017. Methods This cohort study involved analysis of secondary data collected routinely by the programme. Results Of 1729 study participants, 639 (37%) were retested. Misdiagnosis of HIV was found in six (1%) of the patients retested—all were infants retested with DNA-PCR. There was no HIV misdiagnosis among adults. Among those retested, 95% were retested on the same day and two-thirds were tested by a different provider as per national guidelines. Among those retested and found positive, 95% were started on ART, while none of those with negative retest results were started on ART. Of those not retested, about half (51%) were started on ART. The median (IQR) time to ART initiation from diagnosis was 0 (0–1) d. Conclusion The implementation of HIV-retesting policy in Harare was poor. While most HIV retest positives were started on ART, only half non-retested received ART. Future research is needed to understand the reasons for non-retesting and non-initiation of ART among those not retested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives India contributes approximately 25% of the 'missing' cases of tuberculosis (TB) globally. Even though ~50% of patients with TB are diagnosed and treated within India's private sector, few are notified to the public healthcare system. India's TB notification policy mandates that all patients with TB are notified through Nikshay (TB notification portal). We undertook this study in a private hospital to assess the proportion notified and factors affecting TB notifications. We explored barriers and probable solutions to TB notification qualitatively from health provider's perspective. Study setting Private, tertiary care, teaching hospital in Bengaluru, South India. Methodology This was a mixed-methods study. Quantitative component comprised a retrospective review of hospital records between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017 to determine TB notifications. The qualitative component comprised key informant interviews and focus groups to elicit the barriers and facilitators of TB notification. Results Of 3820 patients diagnosed and treated, 885 (23.2%) were notified. Notifications of sputum smearpositive patients were significantly more likely, while notifications of children were less likely. Qualitative analysis yielded themes reflecting the barriers to TB notification and their solutions. Themes related to barriers were: (1) basic diagnostic procedures and treatment promote notification; (2) misconceptions regarding notification and its process are common among healthcare providers; (3) despite a national notification system other factors have prevented notification of all patients; and (4) establishing hospital systems for notification will go a long way in improving notifications. Conclusions The proportion of patients with TB notified by the hospital was low. A comprehensive approach both by the hospital management and the national TB programme is necessary for improving notification. This includes improving awareness among healthcare providers about the requirement for TB notifications, establishing a single notification portal in hospital, digitally linking hospital records to Nikshay and designating one person to be responsible for notification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In March 2018, the Government of India launched a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to provide nutritional support for all tuberculosis (TB) patients in line with END TB strategy. Here, the money (@INR 500 [~8 USD] per month) is deposited electronically into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. To avail the benefit, patients are to be notified in NIKSHAY (web-based notification portal of India's national TB programme) and provide bank account details. Once these details are entered into NIKSHAY, checked and approved by the TB programme officials, it is sent to the public financial management system (PFMS) portal for further processing and payment. Objectives: To assess the coverage and implementation barriers of DBT among TB patients notified during April–June 2018 and residing in Dakshina Kannada, a district in South India. Methods: This was a convergent mixed-methods study involving cohort analysis of patient data from NIKSHAY and thematic analysis of in-depth interviews of providers and patients. Results: Of 417 patients, 208 (49.9%) received approvals for payment by PFMS and 119 (28.7%) got paid by 1 December 2018 (censor date). Reasons for not receiving DBT included (i) not having a bank account especially among migrant labourers in urban areas, (ii) refusal to avail DBT by rich patients and those with confidentiality concerns, (iii) lack of knowledge and (iv) perception that money was too little to meet the needs. The median (IQR) delay from diagnosis to payment was 101 (67–173) days. Delays were related to the complexity of processes requiring multiple layers of approval and paper-based documentation which overburdened the staff, bulk processing once-a-month and technological challenges (poor connectivity and issues related to NIKSHAY and PFMS portals). Conclusion: DBT coverage was low and there were substantial delays. Implementation barriers need to be addressed urgently to improve uptake and efficiency. The TB programme has begun to take action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For many years, operational research capacity has been a challenge and has remained a low priority for the health sector in Pakistan. Building research capacity for developing a critical mass of researchers in Pakistan was done through Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) courses in Paris and Asia between 2010 and 2016. Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the journey of SORT-IT in Pakistan from its inception to progressive expansion and discuss the challenges and ways forward. Methods: The journey began with the training of the Pakistan NTP research team lead in 2010 in an international SORT IT course at Paris. This was followed by training of two team members in Asia SORT IT courses in 2014 and 2015. These three then worked together to conceive and implement the first national Pakistan SORT IT course supported by WHO/TDR and the Global Fund in 2016. This was facilitated by international facilitators and local trained SORT-IT participants from Paris and Asia. This was followed by two further national SORT IT courses in 2017 and 2018. Results: Between 2010 and 2017, a total of 34 participants from Pakistan had been enrolled in national and international SORT IT courses. Of the 23 participants from completed courses, 18(78%) successfully completed the course. In total 18 papers were submitted and up until June 2018, 15(83%) have been published and 21 institutions in Pakistan involved with operational research as a result of the SORT IT initiative. Conclusions: The SORT IT course has been an effective way to build operational research capacity at national level and this has resulted in a large number of published papers providing local evidence for decision making on TB and other disease control programmes. The experience from Pakistan should stimulate other countries to adopt the SORT-IT model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]