Nigeria – High-yielding TB case-finding with Delft Solutions
A comparative study assessed the performance of the WoW truck and the Delft Light Backpack (DLB) for active TB case finding in hard-to-reach areas. While both interventions were deployed in the same settings, the WoW truck achieved higher screening coverage, TB detection, and community uptake.
Community TB case finding in hard-to-reach areas
Active TB case finding was conducted in hard-to-reach communities in Northern Cross River State.
Two mobile screening approaches
The intervention compared the WoW truck with the Delft Light Backpack, a portable digital X-ray transported by motorcycle.
Deployment under a single outreach strategy
Both interventions were deployed in the same local government area following a joint advocacy and community mobilization visit.
Screening with digital X-ray
Digital chest X-ray was used to identify presumptive TB cases during community outreach activities.
From January 2022 to March 2022, TB ACF was carried out in 3 LGAs in Northern Cross River State. Of the 10,488 clients screened,
- The WoW truck contributed to 75% of screens, 69% of presumptive and 73% of TB cases diagnosed.
- Achievement across all indicators in the cascade for WoW exceeds those for DLB.
- Communities received similar information before outreaches, but client patronage was higher for WoW trucks.
- The WoW truck is very conspicuous and self-announcing to people in the community hence the high level of patronage following advocacy visits to key community leaders.
REFERENCE: E. Chukwu et al. (2022, November 8-11). Using Wellness on Wheels trucks for community TB active case-finding in Northern Cross River, Nigeria. The UNION World Conference on Lung Health 2022.