Home Our Work Support the National TB Programme in the Syrian Arab Republic

Support the National TB Programme in the Syrian Arab Republic

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Implementing Partner: DEX modality
Total Budget: US$ 7, 377, 125 (Global Fund)
Total Expenditures to Date (Dec 2009): US$ 2, 546, 007
Practice Area: Poverty Reduction
Duration: Dec 2007– Nov 2012
Status: Ongoing
Location: 9 Governorates

Description / Overview:

Increase TB detection rate from present level of 46% up to 55% at the end of two years and 70% after 5 years.


Objectives:

  • Pursue high-quality DOTS in Syria particularly among the poor populations in the nine governorates.
  • Address MDR-TB and other challenges.
  • Engage all care providers to improve accessibility particularly for the poor populations in the nine governorates.
  • Empower people with TB and community among poor and vulnerable population to overcome stigma among TB patients and in communities.
  •  Strengthen the NTP programme management capacity.
 

Target Beneficiaries:

  • Tuberculosis Patients in targeted areas

Implementation Strategy:
  • Diagnostic centers in targeted areas upgraded
  • Drug management system improved
  • Accessibility to treatment improved 


Achievements / Current Status:

According to the WHO report published in 2009, detection rate against notified new cases reached 54% - Successful treatment rate reached 86% - In 2009, 55 existing diagnostic laboratories were renovated in 9 governorates. In addition, the MDR centre “Al Hareth” renovation is in progress and expected to be done by April 2010. Renovation includes Air Conditioning system, Heating system, and negative pressure system. The centre will have the capacity to host 24 MDR patients in separate rooms using private facilities. The programme provided support for TB Reference Lab in Damascus and 3 culture labs in Homs, Aleppo, and Al Hasaka by procuring essential laboratory equipment including Incubator Shakers, Water Distillation apparatus, Ovens, Balances, and Culture Media. The National Reference Lab is currently being renovated and an automated instrument for TB culture & susceptibility was procured and delivered but the installment is pending the finalization of renovation activities.

Several training activities were conducted in 2009. Laboratory technicians have undertaken refresher training courses as well as quarterly meetings with the National Reference Laboratory. Patient supporters in the governorates have been given refresher training courses on all issues regarding the TB patients they are responsible for. Tuberculosis staff has also been trained on the use of revised reporting and recording forms as well as on the use of ENRS (electronic nominal registration system). The Thoracic Association provided training on PAL for 1010 Physicians and health workers exceeding phase one target of 900.

Computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, and other equipment were purchased for all 65 TB centers in the 9 governorates to improve recording and reporting procedures in the NTP. A website is being developed to serve as a source of information about TB in Syria for Professionals as well as for the Public; in addition, the site will be used as a back office to replace existing data transfer methods between provinces and the central unit of the NTP. Using internet connection, NTP staff from 9 governorates will have access to insert and report updated information about patients that can be audited simultaneously by NTP management unit.

Regarding Operational Researches, the “availability of anti-TB drugs in the private pharmacies in Syria” research was completed by the MOHE. Another research is in progress while 2 researches were shifted to year 2010 due to delays in implementation by the MOHE.

UNICEF has conducted 4 TV spots and 4 Radio spots in coordination with the MOH and the NTP. These spots were disseminated on local TV and Radio channels in Syria. In addition, the MOI conducted several workshops for media workers in Aleppo, Tartous, Idleb, and Latakia in Q8. A media campaign was carried out by the MOI with the production of TV spots and the development and dissemination of over 20,000 copies of TB leaflets all over Syria.

Several other activities took place in 2009. The Journalists Syndicate conducted two training workshops for journalists each lasting 2 days. The Women’s Union also carried out several workshops in 2009 on training peer educators at the central and governorate levels. 181 participants were present at the trainings. The TB Association was involved in TB day in 2009, providing promotional materials for the event such as school bags, CDs, and T-Shirts. An online competition about TB was prepared by TBA. Number of participants reached 8391 students from schools in the 14 provinces. Number of correct answers was 5152 representing 61%. Several other advertisements were also placed by the association in local newspapers and magazines regarding TB.

Despite the delays, the MORA succeeded in the implementation of assigned activities. With several workshops in 10 provinces, the MORA placed great efforts in society outreach and the fight against the stigma of TB.

Several international training events took place in 2009. Staff from the PR and the NTP participated in trainings and workshops on several aspects including Monitoring and Evaluation, Finance, Procurement, Laboratory skills in UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Egypt, Jordan, and Iran.


Partnerships:
  • The Global Fund
Project Documents Link:  
Dr. Ghassan Shannan, Programme Manager.
UNDP Project Management: Social Development for Poverty Reduction Team
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
Last update of project information: February 2010