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.