Global Journal of Medical Research, K: Interdisciplinary, Volume 22 Issue 4

40 Year 2022 Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XXII Issue IV Version I ( D ) K © 2022 Global Journals Improvement on Packaging and Referencing Tuberculosis Samples- Experience in Zambezia, Mozambique II. M ethod a) Study design and area To prevent spillage of samples, Local TB Response (LTBR)/FHI360 collaborated with National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL) to design and pilot use of individualized, water and leak-proof insulated secondary packaging and ensure triple packaging for TB specimens transport as recommended. The secondary packaging was piloted in 5 districts of Zambezia province (Quelimane, Namacurra, Morrumbala, Lugela and Pebane), two with good access roads and other three with poor access roads, what may contribute to increase samples spillage during twelve weeks. LTBR ADPP activists and motorbike riders were trained on usage of the secondary package to transport sputum samples from remote communities and/or peripheral Health Facilities to Health Facilities with laboratory services, using bicycle and motorbikes with cooler boxes. Figure 1: Districts of Zambezia selected for prior study: Quelimane, Namacurra, Morrumbala, Lugela and Pebane. Source: https://www.rm.co.mz/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bcea33a3ae6fb784fd70ad232843b527.jpg b) Brief Information about Zambezia Zambezia Province is located in central Mozambique, bordered by Nampula and Niassa Provinces to the North, Malawi and Tete Province to the West, Sofala Province to the South and the Indian Ocean to the East. It has an area of 105,008 Km², with Quelimane as its capital city. The Province is divided in 22 Districts and 6 Municipalities. As of 2017, Zambézia has a total population of 5,164,732, which is equivalent to roughly 19% of the national population (INE). About 52.05% of the population is female. The economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture; a few of the cash crops include cashews, sesame seeds and cotton. Artisanal fishing and livestock production are also important subsectors in the socioeconomic life of the population for employment, income and food security. Other important sectors include tourism (eg Gilé National Reserve, Namuli Mountain and Primeiras e Segundas Environmental Protected Area), trade and manufacturing. Zambezia Province is responsible for 9% of Mozambique’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 61.76% of the population of the Province is living below poverty line [6]. c) The role of community activists selected Local staffing requirements were identified and a programme of staff training was developed. Local community outreach worker was prior employed through the project TB Response in order to access all affected communities with known or suspicious TB cases. For this study, we used the same people and in meantime, laboratory technician and a TB coordinator were appointed and trained on use of the secondary package.