SeroSelectTB Project funded by EDCTP2 is one of the projects that operate under Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), in collaboration with the Sidama Regional Health Bureau. Considering, the data quality gaps observed during the project implementation period, the project has organized Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Training in Hawassa city in collaboration with the Sidama Regional Health Bureau, TBLLD unit for more than 80 Health care workers in two rounds. This crucial capacity-building effort brought together Woreda TB and monitoring and evaluation focal persons from across the region.
During the sessions, trainees were introduced to the frameworks, goals, strategies, and expected outcomes of the TB and leprosy programs. The training also focused on developing trainees’ skills in monitoring and evaluation, data collection, and data management. Emphasis was placed on data quality assurance and the use of evidence-based decision-making to improve program implementation and patient care at all levels.
In his remarks, Mr. Melese Yeshambaw, Coordinator of the SeroSelectTB Project, explained that the project focuses on evaluating the feasibility, accuracy, and impact of a rapid point-of-care serological triage test for active TB (SeroSelectTB). The main objective of the initiative is to reduce delays in TB diagnosis and treatment by enabling patients to access diagnostic services at the health post level through affordable and rapid point-of-care testing.
Mr. Keresa Dafarsa, Disease Prevention and Control Director at the Sidamo Regional Health Bureau, revealed that their program assessments consistently show data quality as the major challenge facing their TB program activities. Mr. Keresa went on to express his optimism that this training will play a vital role in resolving these issues, ultimately helping them secure better data necessary for informed decision-making. He concluded by offering his thanks to the SeroSelect project for supporting the initiative.
This effort aligns with ongoing regional and national commitments to strengthen community-level TB detection, improve data accuracy, and promote evidence-based interventions in high-burden settings such as the Sidama Region.
Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing HIV/AIDS. Ethiopia, as one of the 30 high TB and TB-HIV burden countries, and Sidama as one of the high TB burden regions, the importance of targeted, data-driven, and community-focused TB control programs, such as SeroSelectTB, cannot be overstated.