Neftaly Tuberculosis Program – Namibia
Project Duration: 01 October 2011 – 30 September 2013
Project Title: Strengthening TB Control and Expanding Access to TB and MDR-TB Services in Namibia
Background
Namibia has long struggled with a high burden of tuberculosis, one of the leading causes of illness and death in the country. The dual epidemic of TB and HIV, combined with the rise in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), placed immense pressure on Namibia’s public health system. Many patients—especially those in remote regions and underserved communities—faced delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and challenges in completing therapy.
In response to this urgent public health need, Neftaly implemented a two-year TB control initiative in partnership with Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS). The goal was to expand access to high-quality TB and MDR-TB services and to strengthen the capacity of the national TB program to deliver sustainable, patient-centered care.
Program Objectives
- Improve early detection and accurate diagnosis of TB and MDR-TB
- Expand equitable access to high-quality treatment and care
- Support effective TB/HIV collaborative activities
- Build the capacity of healthcare workers and health facilities
- Strengthen the surveillance and monitoring system for TB control
Key Program Components
1. TB and MDR-TB Case Detection
- Introduced GeneXpert technology for rapid diagnosis of TB and rifampicin resistance in key districts
- Trained laboratory staff and healthcare workers in sample collection, testing protocols, and quality assurance
- Deployed mobile outreach teams to increase TB screening in high-burden and hard-to-reach areas
2. Access to Treatment and Adherence Support
- Strengthened directly observed treatment (DOT) services in health facilities and communities
- Supported the rollout of second-line treatment for MDR-TB patients, including clinical monitoring and psychosocial support
- Improved treatment adherence through community-based care models and patient follow-up systems
3. Integrated TB/HIV Services
- Promoted routine HIV testing and counseling for all TB patients
- Provided co-trimoxazole prophylaxis and ART for eligible TB/HIV co-infected patients
- Facilitated joint TB/HIV training for service providers to ensure continuity of care
4. Health Workforce and Facility Strengthening
- Trained over 800 healthcare providers in TB case management, drug-resistant TB protocols, and infection control
- Supported health facilities with guidelines, treatment algorithms, and monitoring tools
- Improved infrastructure in selected DOT centers and MDR-TB treatment units
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Management
- Strengthened national and district-level TB surveillance and reporting systems
- Introduced digital case-tracking tools to monitor treatment outcomes and patient retention
- Supported regular data reviews and operational research to inform program improvements
Key Achievements (2011–2013)
- GeneXpert machines deployed in 7 districts, resulting in faster diagnosis and earlier treatment initiation
- Case detection rates improved by over 20% in target regions
- Treatment success rates exceeded 85% in supported sites
- More than 1,500 patients with MDR-TB enrolled in care with structured follow-up and support
- TB/HIV integration expanded, with over 90% of TB patients tested for HIV
- Enhanced national capacity for TB program planning, supervision, and evaluation
Conclusion
Neftaly’s TB program in Namibia demonstrated that targeted investments in diagnostics, healthcare workforce development, and community engagement can significantly improve TB outcomes. The program strengthened Namibia’s ability to detect, treat, and manage TB and MDR-TB, while aligning efforts with broader health system goals and global TB strategies.


