The newly established KNCV Ethiopia as a national entity has taken a major step in advancing tuberculosis (TB) care and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) management in the region. As one of its first activities fostering collaboration with key national and regional stakeholders, KNCV Ethiopia convened partners and government representatives to discuss the implementation of the Unitaid funded project ASCENT DR-TB. This activity marks an important milestone in the organization’s commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s response to DR-TB.
About the event
The event consisted of a two-day stakeholders consultative workshop and kick-off meeting in Ethiopia. It provided a platform to align efforts with the National TB Program (NTP) and other partners to ensure effective project implementation. Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health (MOH), National TB, Leprosy, and other Lung Disease Desk (NTLLD) team, regional health authorities, funders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and implementing partners contributed valuable insights into existing gaps and priority areas for intervention.
As part of the discussions, key themes emerged, including the need for comprehensive technical assistance (TA) to strengthen active drug safety monitoring and management (aDSM), enhance laboratory and clinical safety monitoring, and improving people-centered care and community DR-TB models.
The workshop also facilitated an open dialogue based on the DR-TB management self-assessment with identified strategies that will serve as a roadmap for project implementation, with a focus on supporting treatment initiation centers (TICs) in South Ethiopia. Through strong collaboration, partnerships and evidence-based approaches, the project aims to contribute to a more resilient TB response and DR-TB management in Ethiopia.
KNCV Ethiopia’s commitment
As a newly established national entity, KNCV Ethiopia is committed to working closely with government bodies, local organizations, and international partners to drive sustainable improvements in TB care locally. The collaboration and shared vision established during this meeting will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the ASCENT-DR TB project and beyond.
KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation Global office acknowledges the invaluable contributions of KNCV Ethiopia in strengthening collaboration to successfully implement the ASCENT DR-TB project; and remains dedicated to fostering strong partnerships and leveraging people-centered solutions to enhance DR-TB care across the country and globally.
Learn more about the ASCENT DR-TB Stakeholders Consultative Workshop and Kick-off Meeting in Ethiopia HERE.