Programmatic Implementation of Contact Investigation in Eight African Countries

The objective was to implement CI under national tuberculosis programmatic conditions and to advocate for its scaling up. Contact investigation was implemented in 150 Basic Management Units identified across eight countries. The target populations (children <5 years and persons living with HIV (PLHIV)) were evaluated during home and clinic visits using standardized tools, clinical examinations and, according to each country, additional tests. Contacts with active TB received TB treatment and those eligible received TB preventive therapy (TPT). Data were collected each quarter using standardized forms. Meetings were organized with partners to share preliminary results and advocate for scaling up. From October 2020 to December 2021, 9049 home visits were performed. The proportions of children <5 years and PLHIV who were screened and diagnosed with active TB were, respectively, 2.6% and 10.1%. Ninety-three percent of children <5 years and 98% of PLHIV living at home received TPT or TB treatment, respectively. The scale-up for contact investigation partially or at national level in 2022 was effective in six of the eight countries included in the project. These results indicate that CI is feasible under programmatic conditions within the National TB Programs of African countries.

Automated summary

The study aimed to implement contact investigation (CI) under national tuberculosis programmatic conditions and advocate for its scaling up. CI was conducted in 150 Basic Management Units across eight countries, evaluating target populations (children <5 years and persons living with HIV) through home and clinic visits. Contacts with active TB were treated while eligible individuals received TB preventive therapy. Data were collected quarterly using standardized forms, and meetings were held with partners to share preliminary results and advocate for scaling up. The scale-up for CI was effective in six out of the eight countries in 2022, indicating its feasibility within the National TB Programs of African countries.