NIMR

NIMR through Mbeya medical research center has just completed an operational study funded by the Global Fund through NASHCoP, Ministry of Health (MOH). The study aimed to assess the impact of the family approach on the uptake of 3HP (3 months of weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine) among people living with HIV. The center disseminated the study findings on 28th and 29th December 2023 in Dodoma to MOH, NTLP, NASHCoP, implementing partners, RACC and CTC staff who participated in the study. The NASHCoP Manager, Dr Anath Rwebembera, who graced the event on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Tumaini Nagu, commended the role of NIMR in generating research-based evidence that will inform on decisions regarding 3HP programmatic scale up in the country. Further, the NIMR DG, Prof. Said S. Aboud remarked on strengthening of facilitators of the family approach intervention in order to overcome anticipated barriers in terms of access to the new TPT regimen. Overall, the shorter TB preventive treatment (TPT) is acceptable to clients and providers and thus uptake and completion are relatively good compared to the six-month TB Preventive Treatment of daily Isonizid (INH).