Conclusions & Recommendations
12.9.1 - TEC Approvals for 2016: Central Africa Republic
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC requests that the national program provide details on how they plan to implement trichiasis surgical service, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement in the context of insecurity.
Action:
Insecurity remains a major concern. The NPC stated in late October that in the context of insecurity, the program has not been able to carry out any trichiasis surgical activities.
TEC 12
2015
11.1.1 - TEC Recommendation Regarding “Reserve Special” Category
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The TEC recommended the creation of a new Reserve category – “Reserve Special” – which will be used to approve Zithromax® with contingencies due to special concerns (including security concerns, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or other similar issues) that prevent the immediate approval of a country request.
Action:
A Reserve Special category has been added.
TEC 11
2014
TEC meeting management
11.10.1 - TEC Recommendations Regarding Facial Cleanliness & Environmental Improvements
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The TEC recognizes the importance of data on water and sanitation indicators in order to track progress on the full implementation of the SAFE strategy, but also to understand the context of control and the potential to eliminate blinding trachoma.
Action:
The ICTC Working Group and WHO-NTD Working Group are still engaged in preparing standard indicators for use across all programs.
TEC 11
2014
F&E/WASH, ICTC
11.10.2 - TEC Recommendations Regarding Facial Cleanliness & Environmental Improvements
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The TEC looks forward to receiving an update at the next meeting on progress towards the development of WASH indicators.
Action:
The next step forward is expected at the Stockholm Water Week in September 2015.
TEC 11
2014
F&E/WASH
11.11.1 - TEC Recommendations Regarding WHO Standard Operating Procedure for Surveillance
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC recommends approving a Zithromax® donation for one year for the whole population in districts with TF1-9 5-9.9% at impact assessment, noting that an additional impact assessment 6+ months later is necessary to monitor progress.
Action:
ITI has made all recipient countries aware that the TEC has recommended that a donation be made for districts at 5-9.9% after impact assessment. This recommendation has been very well-accepted by the countries and some have already requested drug be allocated for use in this way. Applications for 2016 reflect this recommendation.
TEC 11
2014
Zithromax® donation criteria
11.11.2 - TEC Recommendations Regarding WHO Standard Operating Procedure for Surveillance
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC requests that ITI communicate to program managers regarding the required information to request Zithromax® for districts TF1-9 5-9.9%.
Action:
ITI has communicated to program managers that the donation is available for districts 5-9.9% at baseline for a single round followed by impact assessment. This recommendation has been gratefully received and the 2016 applications reflect this.
TEC 11
2014
Zithromax® donation criteria
11.11.3 - TEC Recommendations Regarding WHO Standard Operating Procedure for Surveillance
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC recommends that WHO and ITI convene a meeting to consider the recommendations to programs at baseline to define what actions are needed in districts with TF1-9 5-9.9% at baseline.
Action:
ITI has held informal discussion with the WHO and will hold a scientific meeting once data from impact assessments are available. We are looking to progress in Mali and Malawi for the first data.
TEC 11
2014
Zithromax® donation criteria
11.11.4 - TEC Recommendations Regarding WHO Standard Operating Procedure for Surveillance
Conclusion/Recommendation:
In the interim, if a program makes a Zithromax® request to treat in districts with TF1-9 5-9.9% at baseline, TEC will consider such requests on a case-by-case basis, relying on contextual evidence (e.g., WASH access, bordering district status, or other pertinent details).
Action:
Requests will be reviewed at June TEC.
TEC 11
2014
Zithromax® donation criteria
11.2.1 - TEC Approvals for 2015: Chad
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Requests for the two districts in Ouaddai region are in Reserve 1, pending the program’s demonstration of capacity to scale up during the 2014 MDAs scheduled for December.
Action:
In collaboration with MoH and OPC, ITI consultant Fernanda Debellian conducted MDA training in N’Djamena December 2-4, 2015, with 22 participants from the regions approved for MDA. Participants were highly engaged and had no difficulties with any topics. Resource planning and distributor responsibilities in particular were covered thoroughly via role play and other hands-on exercises. Trachoma is not prioritized by the MoH, and consequently, the national program is weak. MDAs for 2014 were conducted in February 2015 due to funding delays but achieved high coverage indicating good leadership and capacity at the regional and district levels. DFID support for two districts in Ouaddai was confirmed by OPC in April 2015. TAP workshop scheduled for May 2015 was delayed due to lack of response from the national office. A partial workshop covering TT surgery was carried out.
TEC 11
2014
Africa - West
Chad
11.2.2 - TEC Approvals for 2015: Chad
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Requests for the nine districts in Chari-Baguirmi, Kanem, and Moyen-Chari did not meet the criteria for approval due to concerns regarding funding availability and program scalability.
Action:
In collaboration with MoH and OPC, ITI consultant Fernanda Debellian conducted MDA training in N’Djamena December 2-4, 2015, with 22 participants from the regions approved for MDA. Participants were highly engaged and had no difficulties with any topics. Resource planning and distributor responsibilities in particular were covered thoroughly via role play and other hands-on exercises. Trachoma is not prioritized by the MoH, and consequently, the national program is weak. MDAs for 2014 were conducted in February 2015 due to funding delays but achieved high coverage indicating good leadership and capacity at the regional and district levels. DFID support for two districts in Ouaddai was confirmed by OPC in April 2015. TAP workshop scheduled for May 2015 was delayed due to lack of response from the national office. A partial workshop covering TT surgery was carried out.
TEC 11
2014
Africa - West
Chad