TB-free Kids

Since the beginning of the epidemiology field site, it was envisaged that the research work carried out in the communities would be used as a basis for addressing the concerns and improving the health of the communities. To this end two tuberculin skin test surveys have been completed.

This project will be introduced using a systematic approach with a broad range of interventions as part of a series of Citywide interventions. Some of these interventions target specific clinics and some of which contribute to an intensive intersectoral or sector wide approach (SWAP) to reducing TB and HIV in two communities as a pilot "TB-free Kids".

The strengthening of health systems to provide improved access to care can only be effective if the initiatives are embedded in services, meet the perceived need of clients and health managers and are fully supported by staff and managers. Therefore the health interventions will be done in close collaboration with the Health Department of the City of Cape Town. To this end, several workshops were held with City and Provincial health managers, needs identified and a strategy developed. 

The interventions will include:

1. Health systems strengthening initiatives (as in the TB/HIV  integration project)
2. Community interventions to reduce susceptibility to TB: DTTC will work in partnership with community structures (schools, churches), City Departments (Social Development, Economic Development) and Stellenbosch  University Faculties (Education, Music, Health Sciences etc) to develop multisectoral community based interventions aimed at reducing susceptibility to TB. Areas that wil be addressed include sensible drinking; smoking cessation; addressing substance abuse; youth diversion programmes; HIV prevention; addressing poor socio-economic circumstances through skills development, job creation and adult literacy. 

The City Health Directorate will drive the health interventions supported by Stellenbosch University who have identified this intervention as a community interaction flagship project. DTTC will play an advocacy role and through funding for the TB/HIV integration project, will directly support the health interventions at Ravensmead and Uitsig.

This intervention is still in the preliminary planning phase and more detailed planning will be undertaken to strengthen the links between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch University and to develop the final multisectoral community based interventions.

The final outcome measure will be a repeat tuberculin skin test survey which will measure whether there is a reduction in the prevalence of children infected wiht TB.