Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) has evolved throughout the years with the development of novel techniques and methodologies that have made TB diagnosis easier and more accessible for the communities. Among these novelties, the stool-based test has gained ground especially for children at risk from TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). On Thursday 16 of January, World Health Organization – South East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation hosted a webinar on the lessons learned on SOS stool-based testing for TB diagnosis to exchange knowledge and expertise among professionals in the field.
Over 150 participants attended the webinar, with a diverse of backgrounds: laboratory technicians, community advocates, epidemiologists, representatives of funding institutions, global health authorities, representatives of NGOs and more. The session was moderated by Dr. Vijayashree Yellappa, KNCV expert, who introduced the urgent need to address challenges in pediatric TB diagnosis across regions. She highlighted the purpose of the meeting: to share learnings and insights gained so far on the introduction, scale-up and innovation of stool-based testing for TB diagnosis.
Dr. Vineet Bhatia, from WHO-SEARO, opened the session and welcomed the participants emphasizing the importance of the Southeast Asia region in addressing TB, noting the high burden of TB cases and mortality in the region. This webinar was organized as part of the continued commitment to disseminate information, exchange knowledge, build capacity and supporting countries in the scale-up and roll-out of the SOS Stool-based test for TB diagnosis. Dr. Bhatia highlighted the long-standing collaboration between KNCV and WHO in different initiatives supporting the Global End TB Goal.
Outline of the webinar
- Sabine Verkuijl (WHO), presented on the challenges of TB detection among children and discussed the WHO Guidelines on integrating rapid molecular diagnostic tests, concurrent testing with stool and respiratory specimens, and the importance of finding and treating children and adolescents with TB. (Download presentation here)
- Petra de Haas (KNCV), elaborated on the clinical diagnosis of pediatric TB in the era of stool-based diagnosis, explaining the Simple One Step (SOS) Stool method for diagnosing TB in children. Petra highlighted its ease of use, low cost, and high sensitivity and specificity, and included a discussion on the successful implementation and scale-up of the method in various countries. (Download presentation here)
- Dr. Nkiru Nwokoye (KNCV Nigeria), shared Nigeria’s experience in scaling up stool-based TB testing, including interest-holder engagement, training, and the introduction of the Childhood TB Testing Week. KNCV Nigeria’s expert, Dr. Nwokoye highlighted the success in decentralizing diagnostics to lower-level labs and the positive impact on TB case detection. (Download presentation here)
- Dr. SM Mazidur Rahman (icddr,b) accompanied by Sarder Tanzir Hossain (USAID Tuberculosis Diagnostic Network Strengthening Activity, FHI 360) presented Bangladesh’s experience in implementing and scaling up stool-based TB testing using the SOS stool method. Both experts from Bangladesh discussed the significant increase in bacteriologically positive TB cases among children and the importance of awareness campaigns. (Download presentation here)
- Dr. Hien Mai (USAID Support to End TB Project, FHI 360 Vietnam) shared the experience of Vietnam in implementing stool-based TB testing in selected provinces, focusing on children under 15 years old. Dr. Mai discussed the challenges faced, such as potential loss to follow-up and inefficient linkages between pediatric and TB care services, and reflected on the strategies used to address these issues. (Download presentation here)
Way forward
Right after the presentations, a lively and engaging discussion was held between the speakers and participants. This allowed not only to reflect on the countries presented by the experts, but also to explore what other regions are doing to implement and scale-up the SOS Stool-based method, including India and Myanmar.
Besides exchanging knowledge on this innovative diagnostic tool, this session helped in the identification of key action points to be taken by and hear the demands of interest-holders, including:
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures for screening, specimen collection and reference for Stool-based testing for TB diagnosis.
- Refinement and dissemination of standardized training packages and orientation materials for clinicians, lab technicians, and other relevant players in the TB diagnostic cascade.
- Continue tracking and monitoring activities to identify and address challenges in real-time.
- Ensuring proper logistic support and continuous training for laboratory and field staff to maintain the quality and efficiency of this diagnostic method.
- Raising awareness about TB in children and maximizing outreach with the development of community communication campaigns.
- Working with community organizations to create and distribute TB- and childhood TB- awareness materials, adapted to serve different local languages.
- Strengthening a holistic approach to addressing TB in children and adolescents.
Unless the community has information they will not be able to ask/demand.
We are looking forward to keep working with the communities, organizations and National TB Programs to bring these tools closer to the people who need it most.
Together we can end TB!
Access the full webinar recording HERE