Conclusions & Recommendations
TEC 25
25.3.1 - Next steps for Zithromax® decision-making in districts with persistent (Category 1) & recrudescent (Category 2) trachoma
2021
Heading 2
ITI to create a line listing of all Category 1 & 2 districts (including populations) to:
- Quantify potential additional Zithromax® need for 2022 and discuss projected production forecast changes with Pfizer
- Flag districts on 2023 Zithromax® Applications
- Determine which countries need to be approached urgently for additional discussion/support from TEC & ITI for 2022 and 2023 treatments
- Identify which programs and partners should be included in TEC 26 meeting
Conclusion/Recommendation:
ITI shared the new TEC guidance on modified strategies in persistent and recrudescent districts with all trachoma endemic countries and implementing partners. ITI has been working closely with national programs and other partners to prepare for the TEC 26 meeting, where requests for modified strategies in 2022 will be considered. Each country submitting a revised 2022 Zithromax® Application has been invited to participate in TEC 26 to present their plans for a modified strategy. ITI is also working with national programs on preparing their 2023 Zithromax® requests, which will allow a refinement of the 2023 production forecast.
persistence, recommendations for ITI management, alternative treatment strategies, Zithromax® donation criteria
TEC 25
25.2.3 - Country gaps
2021
Heading 2
TEC recommends that ITI work with ICTC to develop a list of gaps:
- suspected endemic districts needing mapping
- funding gaps (R1s + any districts TF ≥5% but without MDA)
- TT support gaps – in collaboration with BMGF, USAID, Accelerate, ESPEN
Conclusion/Recommendation:
ITI is working with ICTC on identifying these gaps as part of the revised ICTC Strategic Plan 2021-2030.
recommendations for ITI management, ICTC, funding, suspected endemic
TEC 25
25.2.2 - Country gaps
2021
Heading 2
Western Pacific
TEC recommends that TEC member Chad MacArthur follows up with partners and the national program in Fiji and Papua New Guinea to understand the current situation and determine whether there are any steps that could be taken to move the programs forward.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Chad MacArthur reached out to both programs:
- PNG's current focus is on COVID19. The trachoma program remains on hold awaiting guidance following implementation of the recommendations of the WPRO meeting. They completed an ancillary survey in January 2020, the results of which showed little presence of Herbert's pits and pannus and mirrors the landscape of trachoma in many of the Pacific Island countries.
- Fiji has had a number of setbacks due to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and the COVID response. Baseline surveys for the remaining 32 EUs began in February 2022, and results will guide the need for MDA.
recommendations for ITI management
TEC 25
25.2.1 - Country gaps
2021
Heading 2
Eastern Mediterranean
TEC recommends a high-level visit from TEC Chair and ITI Director to Egypt to work out gaps in leadership leading to program delays (e.g., signing MOU; getting program financing into the country).
Egypt
Conclusion/Recommendation:
A partners meeting was held in Cairo in February 2022 with the ITI Senior Program Associate and Supply Chain Analyst in attendance. Groundwork was laid with the two newly appointed trachoma focal persons and a 2022 TEMF/2023 Zithromax® Application was submitted. A high-level visit may be most beneficial following the review of the application at TEC 27 to facilitate signature of an MOU.
recommendations for ITI management
TEC 25
25.1.6 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
TEC, ITI, and Pfizer discussed holding an appropriate celebration of the billionth dose of Zithromax® donated. Given that the manufacturing facilities are now third party owned, ELC is not an ideal venue for a celebration, and anticipated continued travel constraints in Q1 2022, suggested options included: Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; or a country nearing elimination, held later in 2022 when travel may become easier. Additional discussions exploring these and other options will be held in the coming months.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC will continue to discuss options during the TEC 26 and TEC 27 meetings.
recommendations for ITI management, TEC meeting management
TEC 25
25.1.5 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
TEC appreciates ITI’s development of the new TEC Recommendation Tracker.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
No action required
recommendations for ITI management
TEC 25
25.1.4 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
TEC notes with cautious optimism the careful continuation of MDA in the midst of COVID.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
No action required
COVID
TEC 25
25.1.3 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
TEC recommends that ITI Management share key guidelines for participation at TEC meetings (as outlined in the revised TEC Charter) with Observers as a part of future meeting invitations
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Once the Charter is back from Pfizer, ITI will share it with Observers.
recommendations for ITI management, TEC meeting management
TEC 25
25.1.2 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
TEC accepted the revisions to the Charter as presented, and ITI will share the final version (flagging any additional changes) once Pfizer has formally agreed to the edits.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The Charter is with Pfizer, pending formal confirmation of agreement.
recommendations for ITI management
TEC 25
25.1.1 - To ITI Management
2021
Heading 2
Africa - East
TEC recommends a letter of appreciation be sent by ITI Management on behalf of TEC to the EFDA, thanking the Ethiopian government for their flexibility in accepting near-expiry POS
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
A letter of appreciation was presented to the Federal Minister of Health by the TEC Chair in February 2022.
recommendations for ITI management