Since 2023, the DRIVE-TB study has been implemented by SCDI in Hai Phong to assess the effectiveness of community-based interventions in tuberculosis prevention and control among population groups at increased risk of tuberculosis, who are still facing many barriers in accessing support services.

After 3 years of implementation, the study has shown the clear effectiveness of the community-based approach in early detection, timely treatment referral for tuberculosis patients, as well as providing multi-dimensional support to help patients maintain and complete treatment.

Based on the experience and results from the first phase, in 2026, SCDI continues to implement phase 2.0 of the project in Nghe An province.

In this phase, the project expands access to tuberculosis screening to more diverse population groups, aiming at the goal of screening tuberculosis for 1,000 people across 3 communes/wards including Que Phong commune, Quy Chau commune, and Truong Vinh ward.

Through screening activities, the project will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an enhanced sputum collection method to support tuberculosis detection in the community, while recording additional real-world data on the tuberculosis situation to provide a basis for tuberculosis prevention and control interventions that are more suitable for the local context.

Photo: Clients were provided with information on tuberculosis at community-based organization's office.

Since May 20, screening activities have been launched in Que Phong commune, with the participation of members from the Sao Va community group. As of May 26, a total of 223 clients have participated in tuberculosis screening using the GeneXpert test method. The activity is expected to continue to be deployed sequentially in the remaining areas of the project until the end of June 28.

Following the screening activities, cases with tuberculosis, suspected tuberculosis, or those needing further support will be connected to appropriate medical facilities for timely examination, treatment, and monitoring.

With the active participation of community-based groups, these activities not only contribute to early detection, timely treatment connection, and increased effectiveness of tuberculosis prevention and control work in the project areas, but also contribute to the common goal of ending tuberculosis in Vietnam.