Tag: improve

Neftaly is a Global Solutions Provider working with Individuals, Governments, Corporate Businesses, Municipalities, International Institutions. Neftaly works across various Industries, Sectors providing wide range of solutions.

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  • Neftaly Strengthen the laboratory network to improve diagnosis and the response to the new challenges proposed in the Stop TB strategy.

    Neftaly Strengthen the laboratory network to improve diagnosis and the response to the new challenges proposed in the Stop TB strategy.

    Neftaly: Strengthening the Laboratory Network to Advance TB Diagnosis and Meet the Challenges of the Stop TB Strategy

    Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, increasingly complicated by drug resistance, co-infections, and health system weaknesses. The Stop TB Strategy calls for bold action to end the TB epidemic by 2030, with early and accurate diagnosis being a central pillar.

    At Neftaly (South African Youth Project), we are committed to supporting national and regional efforts to strengthen laboratory networks — a critical step in scaling up effective TB responses, improving case detection, and adapting to emerging diagnostic needs.


    Program Goal

    To build a resilient, quality-assured, and accessible laboratory network that can rapidly detect all forms of TB and respond to new diagnostic challenges aligned with the global Stop TB Strategy.


    Strategic Objectives

    • Expand access to rapid and accurate TB diagnostics, especially for drug-resistant TB and TB-HIV co-infections.
    • Strengthen the capacity and quality systems of laboratories at national and sub-national levels.
    • Improve integration of laboratory data into TB surveillance, patient management, and policy-making.
    • Enhance the laboratory network’s readiness to respond to emerging TB diagnostic needs, including new technologies and complex case profiles.

    Key Intervention Areas

    1. Diagnostic Expansion and Innovation

    • Scale up use of WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics (e.g., GeneXpert MTB/RIF, Truenat, LAMP).
    • Support introduction and scale-up of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and line probe assays (LPAs) for drug resistance detection.
    • Enable laboratories to test for TB in difficult-to-reach populations (e.g., children, people with HIV) using innovative sample types like stool or urine.

    2. Laboratory Capacity Building

    • Train and mentor laboratory personnel in biosafety, quality assurance, molecular diagnostics, and data reporting.
    • Strengthen National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and their support role to peripheral labs.
    • Establish and expand diagnostic capacity in remote and underserved regions to reduce inequities in access.

    3. Quality Management and Accreditation

    • Support implementation of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS) and ISO 15189 accreditation processes.
    • Coordinate external quality assurance (EQA) programs and on-site supervisory visits to improve performance.
    • Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the diagnostic cascade.

    4. Data Systems and Surveillance Integration

    • Integrate laboratory data into national TB surveillance platforms and case-based reporting tools.
    • Use digital health tools for real-time data sharing, monitoring, and forecasting of TB diagnostic trends.
    • Link laboratory outputs to patient care systems to ensure prompt treatment initiation and follow-up.

    5. Multisectoral Collaboration and Policy Support

    • Facilitate partnerships between laboratories, national TB programs, academic institutions, and private sector actors.
    • Advocate for sustained domestic investment and international support to strengthen lab infrastructure and systems.
    • Support alignment of lab strengthening with national strategic plans and global TB targets.

    Anticipated Outcomes

    • Increased access to timely and reliable TB diagnosis, including for MDR-TB.
    • Stronger laboratory governance, coordination, and standardization across levels.
    • Improved detection and reporting of TB cases, especially in high-burden and hard-to-reach populations.
    • A lab network capable of meeting current TB demands and future diagnostic challenges.

    Why This Matters

    Without robust diagnostic systems, TB remains undetected, untreated, and continues to spread. Strengthening laboratory networks is essential to end the TB epidemic, protect vulnerable populations, and fulfill the vision of the Stop TB Strategyzero deaths, disease, and suffering due to TB.


    Partner With Neftaly

    Neftaly welcomes partnerships with ministries of health, national TB programs, laboratory institutions, donors, and civil society to drive transformative improvements in TB diagnostics.

  • Neftaly Strengthen the Solomon Islands National TB Program and build resilient systems to improve access to quality TB care by 2026

    Neftaly Strengthen the Solomon Islands National TB Program and build resilient systems to improve access to quality TB care by 2026

    Neftaly: Strengthening the Solomon Islands National TB Program and Building Resilient Systems to Improve Access to Quality TB Care by 2026

    Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in the Solomon Islands, where barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and care limit progress toward ending the epidemic. Strengthening the National TB Program (NTP) and building resilient health systems are critical to expanding access to quality TB services and achieving sustainable TB control.

    Neftaly (South African Youth Project) is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands NTP in enhancing its capacity and infrastructure to deliver effective, patient-centered TB care by 2026.


    Program Goal

    To strengthen the Solomon Islands National TB Program and build resilient health systems that ensure equitable access to quality TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care services by 2026.


    Strategic Objectives

    • Enhance the organizational and operational capacity of the National TB Program.
    • Improve diagnostic infrastructure and laboratory capacity for timely and accurate TB detection.
    • Strengthen treatment and patient support systems to improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
    • Build resilient health systems capable of sustaining TB control efforts amid challenges.
    • Foster community engagement and awareness to promote early detection and reduce stigma.

    Key Intervention Areas

    1. Program Capacity Building

    • Provide technical assistance to improve NTP governance, planning, and management systems.
    • Train healthcare workers in updated TB guidelines, case management, and infection control.

    2. Laboratory and Diagnostic Strengthening

    • Upgrade laboratory facilities and introduce rapid diagnostic technologies such as GeneXpert.
    • Enhance quality assurance systems for TB testing.

    3. Patient-Centered Care and Treatment Support

    • Develop mechanisms for patient follow-up, adherence counseling, and community-based support.
    • Integrate TB care with HIV and other health services for comprehensive management.

    4. Health Systems Resilience

    • Strengthen supply chain management to ensure consistent availability of TB medicines and supplies.
    • Support data management and monitoring systems for effective program tracking and evaluation.

    5. Community Engagement and Advocacy

    • Promote TB awareness campaigns to encourage early health-seeking behavior.
    • Engage local leaders and networks to reduce stigma and discrimination against TB patients.

    Expected Outcomes

    • Strengthened NTP with improved leadership, coordination, and service delivery capacity.
    • Expanded access to rapid, accurate TB diagnostics and quality-assured laboratory services.
    • Increased treatment success rates through enhanced patient-centered support.
    • A resilient health system able to sustain TB control activities despite emerging challenges.
    • Greater community awareness and reduced stigma contributing to early diagnosis and treatment.

    Why It Matters

    Building a robust and resilient TB control program is vital to ending TB as a public health threat in the Solomon Islands. Neftaly’s support will contribute to saving lives, reducing transmission, and improving health equity across the nation.


    Partner with Neftaly

    Neftaly partners with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, local stakeholders, and international partners to build sustainable TB control systems and improve health outcomes for all.

  • Neftaly Strengthen supporting environment to improve access of high-risk key populations to services

    Neftaly Strengthen supporting environment to improve access of high-risk key populations to services

    Neftaly: Strengthening the Supporting Environment to Improve Access of High-Risk Key Populations to Health Services

    High-risk key populations often face significant barriers—social, legal, and structural—that limit their access to vital health services. Creating a supportive and enabling environment is crucial to overcome these barriers, ensuring equitable access and improving health outcomes.

    Neftaly (South African Youth Project) is committed to strengthening the enabling environment to facilitate safe, stigma-free, and non-discriminatory access to health services for high-risk key populations.


    Program Goal

    To strengthen the social, legal, and structural environment that supports improved access to comprehensive health services for high-risk key populations.


    Strategic Objectives

    • Advocate for policies and legal frameworks that protect the rights of high-risk populations.
    • Reduce stigma and discrimination within communities and healthcare settings.
    • Enhance capacity of healthcare providers to deliver key population-friendly services.
    • Foster community empowerment and participation in program design and delivery.
    • Promote multisectoral collaboration to address social determinants affecting access.

    Key Intervention Areas

    1. Policy and Legal Advocacy

    • Engage policymakers to reform laws and policies that impede access to services.
    • Support rights-based approaches and human rights training for stakeholders.

    2. Stigma and Discrimination Reduction

    • Implement awareness campaigns targeting communities, health workers, and law enforcement.
    • Establish complaint and feedback mechanisms for clients experiencing discrimination.

    3. Health Provider Capacity Building

    • Train healthcare workers on key population sensitivities, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
    • Create safe spaces within health facilities for key populations.

    4. Community Empowerment

    • Support peer-led initiatives and networks to build trust and promote health-seeking behavior.
    • Involve key populations in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs.

    5. Multisectoral Collaboration

    • Partner with sectors such as justice, education, and social services to address broader barriers.
    • Develop coordinated responses to social and economic factors impacting access.

    Expected Outcomes

    • Improved legal and policy environment supporting key population rights.
    • Reduced stigma and discrimination in communities and healthcare settings.
    • Increased availability of friendly, confidential, and respectful health services.
    • Empowered key populations actively engaged in their health and wellbeing.
    • Enhanced collaboration across sectors addressing access barriers.

    Why It Matters

    Access to health services for high-risk populations is fundamental to controlling epidemics and ensuring health equity. Strengthening the supportive environment enables Neftaly to break down barriers and foster inclusive, effective health programs.


    Partner with Neftaly

    Neftaly works alongside governments, civil society, and communities to build inclusive environments that guarantee accessible, rights-based health services for all.