OVERVIEW
Afghanistan is among the world’s high burdened countries for tuberculosis (TB), with an estimated 56,000 new TB cases each year.
Since 2008, USAID has trained health workers on TB case detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Building on this foundation, the Challenge TB program aims to improve TB control in the country by increasing case detection, improving treatment, and strengthening the Ministry of Public Health’s ability to coordinate and direct TB activities.
A main focus of the project is to expand the application of Directly Observed Therapy and Short-course (DOTS). This internationallyrecognized approach entails a medically trained individual directly observing the TB patient as they take their medicine and incorporates strong patient monitoring protocols. Close monitoring and therapy ensures patients take their medication, as well as feel more comfortable completing lengthy treatment regimens. This is critical to treating and curing TB and preventing strains of drug-resistant TB from emerging.
The Challenge TB project also seeks to improve management in Afghanistan’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP).