Kampala Media Science Café on HIV and TB

Event Overview

The Health Journalists Network in Uganda (HEJNU) held a Media Café on HIV/AIDS at the HEJNU headquarters in Kamwokya on February 6th, 2024. This three-hour engagement aimed to educate and equip journalists with the latest information and strategies for reporting on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda.

Event Details

• Date: February 6th, 2024
• Location: HEJNU Headquarters, Kamwokya, Kampala
• Duration: 3 hours
• Attendance: 21 journalists from various media platforms, including print, online, radio, TV, and freelancers

Objectives

• Discuss and highlight TB disease in Uganda
• Share ongoing TB trials and treatment experiences
• Explore mechanisms for enhanced reporting and advocacy
• Support Uganda’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS
• Develop story ideas and guides for communicating HIV prevention and control messages to communities

Speakers

1. Dr. Muwanguzi Timothy
   Clinical Trial Coordinator, Uganda Case Western Reserve University
   Topic: TB Background and Ongoing TB Trials
2. Kiyego Muzafaru
   TB Survivor
   Topic: TB Experience
3. Nassozi Sylvia
   Community Technical Officer, USAID
   Topic: Community Services in the Fight Against TB
4. Fred Ebil
   TB Survivor, FOTS-Uganda Fellowship of TB Survivors LTD
   Topic: Experience Dealing with Tuberculosis
5. Namataka Doreen
   TASO (CORP) Community-Owned Resource Personnel
   Topic: TB Experience and Improving TB Drug Access

List of Journalists in Attendance

Presentations

1. Dr. Muwanguzi Timothy
   Clinical Trial Coordinator, Uganda Case Western Reserve University
   Topic: TB Background and Ongoing TB Trials
   • TB Burden in Uganda:
     • Uganda ranks among the top 30 countries with the highest TB burden.
     • Approximately 91,000 people contract TB annually in Uganda.
     • About 32% of TB patients are co-infected with HIV.
     • 2 out of 100 TB patients have drug-resistant TB.
     • 10% of TB cases occur in vulnerable groups.
   • Challenges:
     • TB remains prevalent due to its slow progression and association with poverty.
     • Poor health-seeking behaviors among Ugandans with TB; patients often seek help only when experiencing severe symptoms like persistent coughing and significant weight loss.
     • Inadequate diagnostic facilities.
     • Long treatment durations (3 to 24 months) lead to drug resistance as some patients discontinue treatment.
   • Ongoing TB Trials:
     • Researchers are conducting trials to improve TB treatment adherence by reducing the treatment duration.
     • The current trials involve two drugs taken for just two months, compared to the standard 3-24 month regimen.
     • Objectives:
       • Decrease the pill burden to prevent treatment fatigue.
       • Improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of drug-resistant TB.
     • Study Details:
       • A five-year study at Mulago National Referral Hospital involving TB patients from clinics and hospitals in Kampala.
       • Related studies are underway in South Africa, the Philippines, and other countries to assess treatment efficacy across different populations.
2. Fred Ebil
   TB Survivor, FOTS-Uganda Fellowship of TB Survivors LTD
   Topic: Experience Dealing with Tuberculosis
   • Personal Experience:
     • Former tutor who became a TB survivor.
     • Abandoned his job due to discrimination from colleagues.
     • Suffered significant weight loss, dropping from 70kg to 25kg.
     • Faced stigma, such as keeping his cup and plate separate at his workplace.
   • Advocacy:
     • Founded a TB survivor organization to address stigma and support survivors.
     • Emphasizes the need for treating survivors well to prevent reinfections.
     • Calls for:
       • Public adherence to TB safety measures without stigmatizing patients.
       • Psychological and social support for TB survivors, including financial assistance for those starting anew after treatment.
       • Follow-up by medical officers post-treatment to prevent recurrence.
3. Namataka Doreen
   TASO (CORP) Community-Owned Resource Personnel
   Topic: TB Experience and Improving TB Drug Access
   • TB Testing and Treatment:
     • Importance of conducting both GeneXpert tests and chest X-rays for accurate TB diagnosis.
     • Ensures prompt initiation of TB treatment to prevent disease progression and reduce transmission.
   • Treatment Approaches:
     • Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): Patients take their medications under the supervision of healthcare providers or trained community health workers to ensure adherence and monitor side effects.
     • Treatment Regimens: Tailored based on TB type and patient characteristics, following national and international guidelines.
     • Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular evaluations, lab tests, and adherence assessments to optimize treatment outcomes.
     • Integrated TB/HIV Care: Combines TB and HIV services for co-infected patients.
     • Nutritional Support: Provides nutritional counseling to ensure adequate dietary intake during treatment.
4. Nassozi Sylvia
   Community Technical Officer, USAID
   Topic: Community Services in the Fight Against TB
   • Services Offered:
     • Early detection of TB cases to minimize transmission rates.
     • Linking TB-positive patients to treatment and tracing their contacts.
     • Documenting patient information through filing systems.
     • Conducting follow-ups on ongoing studies related to TB treatment.
   • Challenges and Solutions:
     • Stigma remains a significant barrier in the fight against TB.
     • Advocates for increased awareness to reduce stigma.
     • Believes ongoing research will lead to reduced treatment durations, improving adherence and outcomes.
5. Kiyego Muzafaru
   TB Survivor
   Topic: TB Experience
   • Personal Journey:
     • Overcame the misconception that TB only affects individuals with HIV.
     • Lost hope, fearing he was HIV positive.
     • Through counseling, realized that TB is a curable disease.
   • Advocacy:
     • Appeals to Ugandans to observe TB safety measures without stigmatizing patients.

Key Takeaways

• Awareness and Education: Enhancing journalists’ understanding of HIV and TB is crucial for accurate and sensitive reporting.
• Stigma Reduction: Addressing and reducing stigma associated with TB and HIV is essential for encouraging individuals to seek treatment and support.
• Innovative Treatments: Ongoing trials aim to improve TB treatment adherence and outcomes by reducing treatment duration and pill burden.
• Comprehensive Support: Providing psychological, social, and financial support to TB survivors can prevent reinfections and improve quality of life.
• Integrated Care: Combining TB and HIV services ensures comprehensive care for co-infected patients, improving overall health outcomes.

Report Compiled By

Shamim Nateebwa