Contract Signing Ceremony with Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA) for the Project “Strengthening access to quality of integrated TB prevention, management in high TB/HIV burden community in Lusaka, Zambia (Phase Three)” under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects

          On 3rd March 2021, H.E. Mr. MIZUUCHI Ryuta, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia and Ms. MATSUOKA Yuko, Resident Representative of JATA (Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association), a Japanese NGO, signed a grant contract, amounting up to 443,607 US dollars, for the implementation of the project titled “Strengthening access to quality of integrated TB prevention, management in high TB/HIV burden community in Lusaka, Zambia (Phase Three)”, under the framework of “Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects”.

          Through this Phase Three of the project, JATA will enhance the capability of targeted health care workers on TB/HIV control through the implementation of tailored intensive trainings, as well as maintenance of the donated digital X-ray machine in Kalingalinga Health Centre. In addition, trainings for local TB volunteers on community sensitisation of TB/HIV knowledge will also be conducted. And, JATA will work further on individual patient management, monitoring of the local TB epidemic, and improving TB-related administrative capacity through strengthening data management in the targeted health facilities.

          In further implementing the Phase Three of the project, it is expected that the seven public health facilities will enhance their capability on TB prevention, early diagnosis, and care and support to TB patients. Furthermore, deeper understanding of local communities on TB/HIV through community sensitization and patient support activities by TB volunteers is expected.

          This project aims at the reduction in number of TB deaths in Zambia in the long term through strengthening patient-centered integrated TB prevention, early diagnosis, and care and support at the facilities. Aligned with WHO’s End TB Strategy and National TB strategic plan in Zambia (2017-2021), the project will also be able to enhance existing health systems, hence contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Zambia.
 
Note:  To read the speech by Ambassador Mizuuchi at this ceremony, please click here.