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Feasibility, enablers and challenges of using timeliness metrics for household contact tracing and TB preventive therapy in Pakistan

Experts from Resolve to Save Lives expamined the feasibility of adapting the 7-1-7 target to control tuberculosis in Karachi, Pakistan through timely provision of TB preventive therapy (TPT). From January to June 2023, we successfully line-listed 92% of 450 index patients’ household contacts within seven days of initiating anti-TB treatment. Additionally, we determined screening outcomes for 84% of 1,342 contacts within one day. However, we found that only 35% of eligible contacts received further evaluation and treatment within seven days, facing challenges such as travel costs and fear of diagnosis. Our field staff reported that these timeliness metrics motivated prompt action and recommended their integration into national guidelines to improve TB management within households.

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PLoS One

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Feasibility, enablers and challenges of using timeliness metrics for household contact tracing and TB preventive therapy in Pakistan

PLoS One
Feasibility, enablers and challenges of using timeliness metrics for household contact tracing and TB preventive therapy in Pakistan