Neftaly: Strengthening Human and Institutional Capacity to Manage TB and MDR-TB Services
At Neftaly (South African Youth Project), we are committed to strengthening the health system’s ability to effectively manage Tuberculosis (TB) and Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB). As South Africa remains among the highest TB burden countries globally, particularly with rising MDR-TB cases, the need for a resilient, skilled, and well-coordinated health response is more urgent than ever.
Our approach focuses on building the skills of healthcare workers, strengthening institutional systems, and ensuring that TB and MDR-TB services are accessible, high-quality, and patient-centred.
Program Objectives
- Enhance the capacity of healthcare workers to diagnose, treat, and manage TB and MDR-TB effectively.
- Strengthen institutional systems for improved planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of TB services.
- Improve treatment adherence and outcomes through community-based support and integration of services.
- Ensure early detection, infection control, and proper case management in both facility and community settings.
Key Intervention Areas
1. Human Resource Capacity Building
- Training and mentoring of nurses, doctors, community health workers, and lab staff on TB/MDR-TB clinical management protocols.
- Capacity development in infection prevention and control (IPC), especially in high-burden settings.
- Supporting task-shifting strategies to empower mid-level cadres and improve service coverage.
2. Institutional Strengthening
- Enhancing facility-level data collection, reporting, and use for evidence-based decision-making.
- Strengthening referral systems and patient tracking across different levels of care.
- Supporting the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for MDR-TB case management and patient follow-up.
- Promoting integration of TB services with HIV, primary health care, and community outreach systems.
3. Community Engagement and Support Systems
- Mobilizing and training community health workers and peer supporters to provide treatment literacy and adherence support.
- Establishing community-based DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) and psychosocial support mechanisms.
- Reducing stigma and discrimination through education and community dialogue.
4. Strengthening Diagnostics and Surveillance
- Supporting rapid diagnostic tools (e.g., GeneXpert) and specimen transport systems.
- Building capacity for drug resistance surveillance, data management, and timely reporting.
- Enhancing linkages between laboratory services and clinical care teams.
Our Impact
- Trained over 200 health professionals in TB and MDR-TB clinical management and infection control.
- Supported facility-level MDR-TB case reviews and data audits in high-burden districts.
- Improved community treatment support models, leading to higher adherence and reduced default rates.
- Strengthened partnerships with district health offices to coordinate and monitor TB response plans.
Why It Matters
MDR-TB poses a major public health threat, requiring a strong health workforce, integrated systems, and sustained community engagement. Without skilled personnel and responsive institutions, even the best treatments cannot reach those in need or achieve long-term outcomes.
Neftaly’s interventions bridge the gap between national TB strategies and on-the-ground realities, ensuring health systems are equipped to respond effectively and compassionately.
Partner With Neftaly
We welcome collaboration with government, NGOs, donors, and technical partners to expand this work across South Africa and the region. Together, we can build a resilient health system capable of ending TB and MDR-TB for good.