Launch of 'Digital Repository' on TBPPM models and resources in India
Background:
Considerable strides have been made in India in the space of public private mix models in Tuberculosis (TBPPM), and the TBPPM Learning Network (TBPPM-LN), India chapter that was created in January 2021 has created a one-stop digital resource center on this topic. The need for such a digital TB-PPM repository has been articulated by the TBPPM-LN advisory board members, policy-makers and as well by the practitioners/ implementers of PPM in the country.
Aligned with the TBPPM-LN India chapter’s aim to contribute to the fight against TB, we conducted a virtual TBPPM models Repository Launch with an open invite to all the community members and relevant stakeholders on the occasion of World TB Day (WTD) 2022. The repository will serve as a source of TBPPM-specific information to facilitate intra-and inter-country learning. As per the theme of WTD, the event nudges governments to ‘Invest to End TB’ in the context of PPM work already done in India.
Panel Discussion
The Panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Vijayashree Yellappa. She started the session with a brief introduction of the digital repository as one stop research centre for the organizations in the TBPPM space.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sood, DTO Kangra emphasized on the bigger picture of achieving elimination of TB via these small but focused steps. It was mentioned that there was a disconnect between program managers and contemporary research in the TB space and it was suggested that the DTOs could be roped in via CTD to be members of the learning network. It is expected that the repository will serve as an access to peer learning groups, innovate more real-life solutions to the existing challenges via cross learnings and success stories.
Dr. Kiran Rade, NPO at the WHO appreciated the role of TBPPM India network for decoding the guidance document and making it simpler for the potential agencies as well as the program managers. The rapport among the partners and cross learning among the PPM community, facilitated by the network, which is expected to increase via repository was much appreciated. Dissemination of repository to relevant stakeholders and the learnings regarding RFP and bidding process to Program Managers was suggested.
Ms. Meera Yadav, XDR TB Survivor, highlighted the Role of a TB Survivor. It was suggested to engage the TB Survivors, train them and actively involve them in the Program. Transitioning from Survivor to TB Champion- capacity building via training would increase the acceptance of program services by patient & family members. It was suggested that more TB Survivors should be added to the TBPPM-LN. The issue of stigma from Pharmacists, front line workers was mentioned and it was suggested that soft skills for patient care need to be developed among health professionals. Ms. Meera mentioned that she had filed a petition in Bombay High Court regarding Delaminid & Bedaquilline for easy accessibility to all the patients.
Dr. Rachit Negi, CHRI shared his experience and opinion on TBPPM-LN especially in attending the TBPPM course. The need for simplifying Guidance document for Partnership via peer-to-peer learning in the form of Webinars and other Digital Media was emphasized.
Dr. Prarthana from KHPT mentioned that there was still have a long way to go for the network as well as in the space of TBPPM. The WhatsApp group managed by the Network was appreciated as a very interactive source of learning.
Dr. Yeole, pointed out the role of TBPPM India Chapter for bridging the gap between implementing agencies and being an independent voice to sensitize administrators. The potential role of repository in picking up the good practices to engage private sectors was highlighted.
The Launch
Eman Rehman, Global Strategies moderated the digital repository launch and ribbon cutting ceremony. Prof. Venkatraman expressed his thoughts about the TBPPM India Chapter as an independent platform to foster communication among the organization & an opportunity to learn from others. He stressed on the point to intensity the efforts of engaging more partners in order to achieve the targets by 2025. He suggested that more DTOs, STOs and Private sector partners should be encouraged to join this learning network. It was highlighted that the repository models could facilitate learning within and across the world.
Dr. Kayla, BMGF mentioned that the digital repository would help not only the stakeholders from India but the TBPPM enthusiasts all over the globe. Dr. Kusum Moray, took everyone on a virtual tour of the repository where she explained about how to use the repository and iterated that the repository is dynamic in nature and would grow in the future.
Partnership mapping in India
Mr. Nishant Chavan, Public Health Expert, National Technical Support Unit, made a presentation on Partnership Mapping in India. Frequent challenges while interpreting the Guidance Document were elaborated. Snapshots from the partnership mapping of ten states of India were discussed briefly. The maps pictorially represented the districts that had engaged in PPM and types of engagement were denoted. It was emphasized that the ‘why’s of the status quo of the mapping need to be understood so that necessary action may be taken to improve overall TB care.
Concluding remarks
Dr. Shibu, PATH suggested that this repository should be made accessible on the CTD website. It was emphasized that the repository could be leveraged by the TSUs at the state level and authorities at the local level. The event ended with comments from Dr. Neeraj Raizada on how the collaboration of the NTSU with the network has been a fruitful one.
