TDAs introduction training workshop in the first district of Chirundu, Zambia

The Decide TB project conducted training to introduce the Treatment Decision Algorithms (TDAs) for childhood TB diagnosis in the district of Chirundu, Southern province of Zambia from 2nd September 2024 to 6th September 2024. Chirundu is the first selected district to switch from Standard of Care phase to Intervention phase in the country.

The workshop attracted thirty attendees from six primary health care facilities (Lusitu, Hachipilika, Kapululira, Jamba, Sikoongo and Chipepo) and from the district hospital (Mtendere Missionary General Hospital). The workshop was opened by Chirundu District Health Director Dr. Herbert Luhanga.

The workshop incorporated various topics with trainee-centered approaches in sharing knowledge on use of TDAs, including understanding the use of TDAs to evaluate children with presumptive TB, performing detailed clinical assessment, specimen collection and microbiology testing and the use of Electronic Medical Records.

The workshop offered an opportunity for intense question-and-answer sessions that were highly interactive, participatory, and stimulating to participants. The group and case study sessions were characterized by active participation and peer to peer mentoring guided by trained facilitators to ensure that correct information is shared.