Supporting Patient Care

The DOCTS Expansion Working Group

The DOCTS Expansion Working Group is a vital initiative by Uganda Stop TB Partnership (USTP) focused on strengthening private sector involvement in achieving national TB case detection and treatment success targets. Recognizing the critical role that private entities play in TB control, USTP provides tailored technical guidance to Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), especially smaller ones with limited capacity.

Key Focus Areas

1. Capacity Building for CBOs

   • USTP empowers CBOs to contribute meaningfully to TB control efforts by offering expertise, training, and resources.
   • Support includes enhancing their ability to identify TB cases, ensure proper treatment adherence, and track treatment outcomes.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

   • USTP spearheaded the development of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Framework for TB Control in Uganda.
   • The PPP model fosters collaboration between government health programs and private health providers, ensuring TB services are accessible, affordable, and effective.

By expanding the reach and capacity of private entities and CBOs, the DOCTS Expansion Working Group plays a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s TB care infrastructure.

Supporting TB/HIV Collaboration: The TB/HIV Working Group

Tuberculosis and HIV are intricately linked, with TB being a leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV. USTP’s TB/HIV Working Group focuses on integrating TB control into HIV care and treatment services to improve outcomes for co-infected individuals.

Strategic Support for Partners

1. Scaling Up Collaborative Activities

   • USTP works with partner organizations to adopt strategic approaches that strengthen TB/HIV collaborative efforts.
   • Activities include joint training sessions, cross-program advocacy, and unified monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

2. Integrating TB into HIV Interventions

   • Many organizations with robust HIV treatment and care services lack integrated TB components. USTP provides technical assistance to:
     • Incorporate TB screening, prevention, and treatment into existing HIV programs.
     • Build capacity for dual service delivery, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care.

3. Advancing Co-Infection Care

   • USTP advocates for and supports interventions that address TB and HIV co-infection holistically, improving both diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Driving Collaboration and Impact

The TB/HIV Working Group fosters partnerships among organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure integrated TB/HIV services are widely available and accessible.