TBCI Feedback Meeting with ZANA

Today we attended a feedback meeting with the Zanzibar Nurses Association (ZANA) at Tumekuja Secondary School to review the progress of the TBCI Project. The project focuses on helping communities identify people who have been in contact with TB patients and supporting early screening. It was also noted that the project has now resumed with support from the donor, but for the moment it is running mainly humanitarian activities.

One of the key areas discussed was the need for timely submission of reports from the field. Reports from recent supportive supervisions conducted in both Pemba and Unguja were shared, giving a clear picture of the current performance and challenges faced by Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Several challenges were highlighted during the meeting, including:

1. Lack of some community TB tools, especially TB No. 14 register

2. Poor commitment among some CHWs

3. Insufficient guidance from healthcare providers

4. Many TB presumptive clients not reaching health facilities

5. Poor documentation of community TB tools

6. Low number of contacts referred for TB examination

7. Community reports not being properly secured in files

8. No clear documentation showing TB patients referred by CHWs

9. Missing TB patients in several Shehias

10. Some CHWs not conducting TBCI activities from the time of training until the day of supervision

The meeting included supervisors from ZIHHTLP TB Coordinators, ZANA project staff, and the supervisees, who are the Community Health Workers (CHWs) themselves. Together, they reviewed progress and set plans for improvement.

Recent performance results were also presented:

Pemba (Mkoani & Chake Chake): Out of 40 CHWs, 34 (85%) submitted complete reports for October 2025.

Unguja Mjini: Out of 30 CHWs, only 15 (50%) submitted their October reports.

Unguja Magharibi: Out of 30 CHWs, 21 (70%) submitted their reports for the same month.

Despite the challenges, the meeting was positive and encouraging. It highlighted the dedication of many CHWs and the importance of continued support, supervision, and clear communication. As the TBCI project moves forward, everyone agreed to focus on improving report submission, strengthening follow-up of TB presumptive clients, and ensuring proper use and storage of TB tools.

With teamwork and renewed commitment, the project will continue to make meaningful progress in improving TB prevention and care within our communities.

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