Partnered Internation Organization of Migration(IOM)

Background

On April 25, 2015, Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which, according to the Government of Nepal, killed over 6000 people (as of the writing of this piece). For the purpose of early planning, United Nations has estimated that 8 million people (which is about one-third of the country’s total population) in 39 districts have been affected including 1.4 million in need of food. After the damaging earthquake-affected and infected people were compelled to live in the temporary settlements, due to crowds and other vulnerable factors, we assumed that respiratory illness, especially the Tuberculosis transmission rate, was fueled-up. Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) suggested implementing Poster Disaster resilience intervention and program (TB Screening and sputum Collection), especially in Internally Displaced camp sites to reduce TB transmission and ensure TB transmission.

Purpose and Methodology

The project goal and objectives encompass; identifying people living with TB symptom, sputum collection, and utilization of Gene-Xpert to diagnose TB and ensure TB treatment. The project initiated with the mapping of the IDP Sites, coordination and collaboration with the near health institutions, capacity development of volunteers, door to door visits for TB screening and sputum collection of presumptive TB patients, chest camp and treatment enrollment of TB patients, who are diagnosed by Gene Xpert.

Immediate Outcomes

A total of 532 volunteers (FCHVs, Health Education Teachers, Camp representatives) including FCHVs have been oriented and mobilized for the TB screening and sputum collection in the project. A total of 10369 have been screened, among them 1106 were presumptive TB cases, and 760 presumptive TB cases sputum samples were collected and tested by the Gene Xpert. A total of 22 patients were diagnosed as Pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed TB. Among them, 21 TB patients were enrolled in the DOTS for TB treatment.

Discussion

TB screening and sputum collection intervention have increased the accessibility of TB care and services among the internally displaced population and it is essential to improve the health status of the IDP people. Sputum collection in a community field setting or home-based setting is a very hard task, however, counseling and motivation play a decisive role to collect a maximum sputum sample.