KNCV TB Plus Ethiopia participated in 17th annual tuberculosis (TB) research conference (TRAC) and in the World TB Day commemoration, which was conducted at University of Gondar Ethiopia from March 22 to 24. During the event, different projects implemented by KNCV Ethiopia were introduced via a roll-up banner presentation, abstracts to which KNCV Ethiopia contributed were presented, and KNCV was recognized for its contribution on Innovation and Evidence Generation in Ethiopia. Additionally, on 23rd March KNCV Ethiopia conducted a CHIP-TB project dissemination workshop.
Different stakeholders participated in the event, such as the Federal Minister of Health Dr Lia Tadesse, chair of TRAC Professor Afework, national TB program officials, regional and city administration health bureau officials and international and national organizations working on TB control and prevention. TB researchers from different organizations and higher educations, policy makers, TB survivors and community members also joined the event.
KNCV’s contributions to TRAC
During this annual TB research conference and World TB Day commemoration, different projects implemented by KNCV Ethiopia were introduced for participants through rollup banner presentation, such as the ASCENT project, IMPAACT4TB, CHIP-TB, OPT4TPT, IMPACT4COVID-19, TRIAD. One general banner which expresses KNCV’s experience, mission and vision was also presented.
KNCV also presented two abstracts:
- “Feasibility and acceptability of digital adherence technologies with differentiated response to support person-centered tuberculosis care in Ethiopia: Results from ASCENT trial”
- “Poster presentation with title Efficacy and safety of different regimens in the treatment of patients with latent tuberculosis infection: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”
Awarded by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health
During the event, different individuals, researchers, organizations and academic institutions were recognized for their contributions to the fight against TB in Ethiopia. In the category Research and Evidence Generation, KNCV got recognition for its work in Ethiopia. Minister Dr Lia Tadesse from the Federal Ministry of Health handed KNCV the award.
CHIP-TB project dissemination workshop
Additionally, KNCV took advantage of the opportunity with so many relevant stakeholders attending the event and conducted a Pragmatic Cluster-randomized Trial of Home-based Preventive Treatment for TB in Ethiopia and South Africa (CHIP-TB) project dissemination workshop from 19:00 to 21:30 at Gondar Hills Resort.
National TB program Officials, regional health bureau officials, different international and national organizations working in TB control, funding organizations, implementing partners and TB researchers from universities participated in the workshop.
Implementation findings on home-based vs facility-based TB preventative treatment (TPT) delivery were presented and discussed in detail. The study design with good evidence on TPT decentralization was much appreciated by the participants. One of the major questions by the participants were on the cost effectiveness of the project, which will become known in the coming few weeks.
The Unitaid-funded and supported CHIP-TB project is implemented in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, KNCV TB Plus, Treatment Action Group, Stop TB Partnership, Clinton Health Access Initiative, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and The Aurum Institute.