Global DAT Task Force Symposium in Pretoria, South Africa
The Global DAT Task Force Secretariate, in collaboration with the ASCENT project, hosted the Global DAT Task Force Symposium meeting and workshop in Pretoria, South Africa, at the end of June 2022.
The objective of this meeting was to present DAT implementation experiences from multiple perspectives, (including National TB programmes, researchers, and the ASCENT project implementing countries) to create a holistic picture of what implementation could mean in practice for National TB Programmes (NTPs). Planning for implementation and/or scaling up of DATs within National TB Programmes from the African region also formed a part of the objectives.
Debrah Vambe from eSwatini presenting on their experience with Video Supported Treatment.
Noriah Maraba from the Aurum Institute presenting on the results from the TB Mate research.
This meeting took place in a hybrid format. NTP representatives from eSwatini, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the Philippines attended in-person. Global stakeholders in the field of digital adherence technologies (DATs) attended online, including representation from the Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Health Organization.
Countries attending the meeting have differing levels of experience with DATs as a tool in tuberculosis treatment. What emerged clearly during the meeting is the need for further guidance to countries on budgeting effectively; securing sufficient funding for the intervention; engaging with local stakeholders for buy-in; and assessment of country context to select the most suitable technology for the available infrastructure and population group identified for a DAT intervention.
This meeting was the first of its kind, and the Global DAT Task Force plans to host several meetings like it in different regions for further introduction and scale up of these technologies to support people on TB treatment in a person-centered way.
Follow up steps
As a follow up from this meeting the Global DAT Task Force will continue to:
- Provide technical assistance to the countries according to their need for the introduction or scale up of DATs.
- Generate further interest in investing in DAT interventions by global funding partners.
- Strategically look for opportunities where the costing of a DAT intervention can be further reduced and can become more cost effective for NTPs.
- Evaluate and research DATs in practice to further inform & guide country programs & implementing partners with respect to the use of DATs in care and support.
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to:
- The ASCENT project, Aurum Institute, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation for the logistical and administrative support in ensuring the success of the event.
- Representatives from KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, ASCENT project, Aurum Institute, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, PATH, Ministry of Health from eSwatini, the University of Georgia, Wisepill and Everwell for presentations during the symposium.
- Tshikwalo Game Lodge in Pretoria, South Africa, for hosting the meeting at your venue.