Summary Report - Virtual Town Hall 2024
Summary Report
Virtual Town Hall
13 December 2024
To tackle tuberculosis (TB), the past years have shown progress with substantial private sector contributions as highlighted in the launch of the PPM dashboards and the narrowing gap between estimated and reported tuberculosis cases. With focus on private sector providers, the TBPPM Learning Network reached various goals in 2024 such as expansion to 4,300 members, engaging more than 2,000 participants in webinars and discussion forums, and gaining insights from country chapter evaluations. Continuous learning efforts included a McGill Summer Institute course and knowledge sharing events. During the recent Virtual Town Hall meeting, held on 13th December 2024, the online community came together to review this progress and set priorities for 2025.
Summary:
TBPPM Learning Network Achievements
The Virtual Town Hall meeting started with celebrating the achievements of the members in the TBPPM learning network in 2024. She highlighted the growth of the network to 4,300 members and discussed the upcoming transition of the learning network, aiming to define its role and priorities for 2025 (Read Q4 Newsletter with complete update).
India and Nigeria TBPPM Chapter Evaluation
Independent consultants, Anagha and Sapna presented an evaluation of the India and Nigeria country chapters of the TBPPM agenda. They discussed the establishment of these chapters, their objectives, and how they have evolved over time. They also highlighted the challenges faced by both chapters, such as limited country-level data and monitoring frameworks. The presentation concluded with recommendations for the country chapters and a
proposed pathway for other countries to establish their own chapters (Read News and Executive Summary).
TBPPM India Chapter Updates
Meena, the lead of the TBPPM India in IPH, shared updates about the India chapter. She mentioned that the Secretariat was established in November 2023 and the manpower was recruited in March 2024. Meena highlighted the organization of Advisory Board meetings and the development of two webinar series: the Virtual Road Show Series and the "Let's Talk TBPPM" Series. She highlighted several activities such as the growth of the network from 600 to over 700 members, the organization of a 2-day workshop, field visits for new NGOs and the participation in two international conferences and lastly, the onboarding of two new members to the Advisory Board. She emphasized the importance of sustainability and the need for strategic planning to sustain the network beyond 2025. Meena also mentioned the formation of core research teams within the Secretariat to develop research ideas targeting potential funding agencies (Read more in recent TBPPM India Newsletter).
TBPPM Nigeria Chapter Updates
Azhee, the leader of the Nigeria chapter of the TBPPM learning network, provided an update on the network's progress and future plans. She highlighted the network's strong collaboration with the National TB program and other PPM implementers, as well as its efforts to establish subnational steering committees and foster a community of practice. Azhee also mentioned the network's exploration of private sector engagement and its recommendations for deeper engagement. Lastly, Azhee discussed the network's focus on sustainability, with ongoing talks with three different organizations about transitioning the role of the PPM Nigeria Learning Network Chapter beyond the current funding stream.
Success Stories and collaborations from partner countries
· Aditiya from LEAP USAID Indonesia shared the country's significant achievements in the PPM program, including the highest-ever TDK certification in history and the successful implementation of innovative financing initiatives (Read more on PPM in Indonesia).
· Tilaye from NTP Ethiopia highlighted the engagement of new private facilities, the introduction of Gene Expert machines, and the provision of preventive treatment in private facilities.
· Vivian from Kenya TB survivors network, shared ongoing activities involving public service vehicles, where they are sensitizing drivers and conductors about TB. They are also working on a project called "talking walls" to spread awareness about TB in their communities. Vivian also mentioned an ongoing conversation with the corporate world, aiming to engage them in sports events to raise awareness about TB.
· Prachi from World Health Partners in India, announced a study in collaboration with McGill University and World Health Partners in Delhi, focusing on introducing the Tongue swab tests through informal providers in the private sector.
· Lisa from FHI 360 introduced a new global program called Grad TB, which aims to strengthen local systems, including the private sector.
Celebrating Achievements and Launching Photo Contest
The TBPPM Learning Network celebrated the achievements of Umar and Tien Pham, who have been highly active in the learning network platform. Umar and Tien Pham expressed their gratitude and shared their experiences within 2024 respectively in their work in Pakistan and Viet Nam.
Petra then announced the launch of a photo contest leading up to World TB Day, encouraging everyone to submit pictures of their work and the private providers supporting patients. The contest will run until February 13th.
The meeting ended with appreciation for the members' participation and encouragement to reach out with any feedback or ideas.