Grant Contract Signed for “TB Control Project through the Strengthening Case Finding and Management at Health Facilities in Lusaka District (Phase 3)” under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects

On 28^th February 2025, Ambassador Takeuchi and Mr. Tanaka Yuta, Resident Representative of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA) signed a grant contract amounting up to 378,766 US dollars for Phase 3 of the ”TB Control Project through the Strengthening Case Finding and Management at Health Facilities in Lusaka district,” which is funded under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.
 
This three-year project aims to support the strengthening of tuberculosis diagnosis and management at four healthcare facilities in Lusaka District, namely Matero and Chilenje. It will also conduct capacity-building training for healthcare workers and provide digital X-ray equipment to one healthcare facility, aiming for the early detection and complete recovery from tuberculosis.
 
Zambia has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “high TB burden country,” with approximately 59,000 people contracting TB every year. Of these cases, about 30% go undiagnosed, raising concerns about further transmission. The Government of Zambia has prioritised strengthening infectious diseases control, including TB, in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and continues its nationwide efforts to combat the disease. However, challenges remain, such as co-infection with HIV and delayed diagnosis leading to severe TB cases and outbreaks. Enhancing early detection and timely treatment remains an urgent task.
 
In the first and second phase of the project, Fuji-film-manufactured X-ray machines were provided, and AI-based imaging diagnosis functions were introduced to the health facilities. Additionally, JATA conducted training sessions for medical professionals to enhance X-ray imaging and image interpretation skills, as well as capacity-building activities for local volunteers. Community members expressed their appreciation for the project, stating that improved access to healthcare has spared them the challenges of moving long distances to access medical services.
 
The third and final year of the project will include the installation of solar panels to ensure the stable operation of X-ray machines in response to the ongoing power shortages caused by the severe drought in Zambia. In addition to further capacity-building training for healthcare workers, awareness-raising activities on TB prevention in communities and patient visits for treatment and care will be continued to enhance both the quality and quantity of TB control services.
 
The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and will continue with its assistance in the future.