Mobile clinics to improve TB diagnosis and treatment in remote areas in Sudan
Since 2005, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria (GFATM) has been supporting national efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as well as strengthen health systems in Sudan. Investing around 400 million USD, the project has achieved great milestones in the fight against these diseases during the past 12 years.
On May 7, 2017, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sudan has handed over a Mobile Clinic for diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis to the Federal Ministry of Health to improve accessibility to health services in remote areas. This Mobile Clinic is supported by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria with a total cost of 500,000 USD. The service is envisioned to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis in Sudan and is to operate under the administration of the Epidemiological laboratory for Research, and Development - Epi Lab.
This advanced Mobile Clinic is designed in a way to serve as a complete treatment and diagnosis unit with computer aided detection software for reading chest X-rays to offer tele-radiology solutions for transmitting high quality chest images across mobile networks. Being deployed for hardship areas and to work under different circumstances, the clinic can be operated using various forms of power sources: National Electricity Grid, Built in Solar, possibility to be connected to external generator and via internal battery packs that can provide power for 4 - 6 hours.
Federal Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Idrees Abugirda, lauded the 12 Years cooperation and partnership with UNDP and the generous fund from GFATM Malaria TB and Malaria where he underscored the critical value of this clinic ’’This mobile clinic is a quality addition to the Tuberculosis programme in Sudan for it will enable the programme to reach people in remote areas.’’
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Country Director, addressed the audience expressing his pleasure for the opening of the Mobile Clinic for diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis. He also emphasized the role of the Federal Ministry of Health to avail quality and accessible health services”. He further concluded “UNDP will continue its efforts to strengthening the health policies and systems for the greater good of the people of Sudan”
Asmaa Alsuni, Epi Lab Director Added ‘‘Access to health system remains a challenge not only in Sudan but in many other developing countries. This mobile Clinic is key in reaching all cases of TB in Sudan. Currently, the Epi Lab with other partners are endeavoring for securing more mobile clinics for better services.”
UNDP in Sudan is working to reduce the mortality associated rate with TB in Sudan. Through UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund support, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, expanding the integration of TB/HIV services, increasing the detection and treatment of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis, supporting community-based interventions, increase the awareness of vulnerable groups and capacity building for health care providers are made possible and taking place effectively.
Source: UNDP
