Neftaly DR-TB Treatment Enrollment Initiative

Goal:
To enroll 100% of diagnosed drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients on appropriate treatment regimens by 2020.

Project Overview:
Recognizing the urgent threat posed by drug-resistant TB, the Neftaly initiative was launched to ensure that every diagnosed DR-TB patient receives timely and appropriate treatment. The program addressed critical gaps in the treatment cascade—including delays in diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment initiation—with a focus on equity, quality, and accountability.

Objectives:

• To ensure all diagnosed DR-TB patients are rapidly initiated on second-line treatment.
• To strengthen diagnostic, referral, and follow-up systems to eliminate patient loss between diagnosis and treatment.
• To reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes among DR-TB patients.
• To align with national TB program goals and contribute to the global End TB Strategy.

Key Interventions:

• Expansion of rapid molecular diagnostic tools (e.g., GeneXpert, line probe assays) to improve early detection of drug resistance.
• Strengthening of referral mechanisms between diagnostic centers and treatment facilities.
• Training of healthcare providers on DR-TB treatment protocols, side-effect management, and patient counseling.
• Deployment of case managers and community health workers to support patient navigation and adherence.
• Monitoring and evaluation systems to track enrollment, reduce delays, and ensure quality of care.

Results & Impact:

• Increased linkage of diagnosed DR-TB patients to specialized treatment centers.
• Reduction in time from diagnosis to treatment initiation.
• Improved coordination across TB diagnostic and treatment services.
• Progress toward achieving 100% treatment enrollment, ensuring no diagnosed DR-TB patient is left behind.