DR-TB active case finding & management

Since 2019, JCDI has been implementing an ongoing project on the active case finding and management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB). Supported by ARFH through the Global Fund, this initiative addresses one of the most challenging aspects of TB control: the detection and treatment of cases resistant to first-line drugs.

JCDI’s approach has been community-centered. Trained volunteers conduct door-to-door sensitization to raise awareness about the symptoms of TB and the risks of untreated DR-TB. Suspected cases are referred for diagnostic testing, including GeneXpert, which allows for rapid detection of drug resistance.

Once cases are identified, JCDI ensures that patients are linked to specialized treatment centers. The organization also supports home visits and treatment adherence counseling, helping patients cope with the long and often difficult treatment regimen.

The project has saved lives while reducing community transmission. By prioritizing vulnerable groups and hard-to-reach areas, JCDI continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s fight against TB, with a special focus on halting the spread of resistant strains.