Vhembe District, Limpopo—USAID embarked on a crucial visit to Vhembe district from Monday, December 10th, until Thursday, December 13th, 2024. The visit aims to assess and monitor progress on the THINK ACCELERATE 2 project. Leading the THINK team was the Chief of the Party for the Project, Ms Tasha Govender. This visit aimed to assess and monitor tuberculosis (TB) performance, focusing on TB services, contact management, and tracing missed appointments by patients.
Setting the Stage
The visit commenced on December 10th at the Vhembe Department of Health District Office. The day began with a brief meeting, during which introductions were made, and the purpose of the visit was outlined. Representatives from USAID, THINK, and the Limpopo Department of Health gathered to discuss expectations and the presentation structure for the next four days. This initial meeting set a collaborative tone for the visit, emphasising the shared goal of improving TB management in the district.
Following the meeting, the team went on a walkabout at Tshilidzini Hospital. This visit provided an opportunity to meet the facility management and gain firsthand insights into the hospital’s TB services.
In-Depth Facility Assessments
On December 11th, the team visited Thohoyandou Community Health Centre (CHC). The morning session, from 08:30 to 12:00, involved a meet-and-greet with the facility management, followed by a comprehensive walkabout and assessment of TB services. In the afternoon, from 12:00 to 16:00, the focus shifted to the Thohoyandou catchment population, where the team engaged in contact management and tracing missed appointments.
Expanding the Reach
The third day, December 12th, began with a visit to Magwedzha Clinic in Ha-Dumasi, Thohoyandou. From 08:30 to 12:00, the team conducted a facility walkabout and assessed TB services, continuing their efforts to ensure effective TB management. In the afternoon, the team visited the Unjani Clinic in Majosi, Louis Trichardt, from 13:30 to 15:00. This visit included a meet-and-greet with the facility management and an assessment of TB services in the private sector.
Feedback and Future Steps
The final day, December 13th, is dedicated to feedback and discussion. The team will convene at the Vhembe Department of Health district office’s Nursing College from 08:30 to 10:30. This session will provide a platform to discuss findings, share insights, and outline future steps to enhance TB performance in the district. The visit will conclude with the team’s departure from the Department of Health.
The USAID ACCELERATE 2 visit to Vhembe District is a significant step towards improving TB management and performance. Through collaborative efforts, thorough assessments, and strategic discussions, the team aim to strengthen TB services, ensuring better health outcomes for the community. This visit underscores the importance of continued support and monitoring to combat TB effectively.