Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract NACNDC/19JASH00051 (Poster) | Published:  01 Dec 2025

The role of community linkage facilitators in TB case detection through door-to-door screening in Kampala slums: A case of AIDS Information Centre

Muwonge Robert1, Teddy Kasalirwe1,2, Berochan Getrude1,2, Ndaula Frederick1,2, Namiiro Winnie2, Katyai Marion2, Noor Nsanji3,4, Ignatius Sentenza3,4, Mary Mudiope3,4, Semei Mukama3,4

1AIDS Information Center, Kampala Uganda, 2Uganda Cares Owino, Kampala Uganda, 3USAID LPHS TBA, Kampala Uganda, 4Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala Uganda

&Corresponding author: Muwonge Robert, AIDS Information Centre, Kampala, Uganda, Email: muwongerobert87@gmail.com

Received: 11 Sep 2025, Accepted: 20 Oct 2025, Published: 01 Dec 2025

Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology

This is part of the Proceedings of the National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference (NACNDC) and 19th Joint Annual Scientific Health (JASH) Conference 2025

Keywords: Tuberculosis , infectious Diseases institute, Aids information centre 

©Muwonge Robert et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Cite this article: Muwonge Robert et al. The role of community linkage facilitators in TB case detection through door-to-door screening in Kampala slums: A case of AIDS Information Centre. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc6):00051. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO6-00051

Introduction

Effective TB case identification is critical to achieving the End TB Strategy target of a 90% reduction in TB incidence by 2030. The Ministry of Health recommends door-to-door TB/HIV screening in high-prevalence areas as a strategy to improve early detection. At the AIDS Information Centre–Kampala, we implemented a community-driven approach using Community Linkage Facilitators (CLFs) to enhance TB case finding through household-level screening. This study assessed the role of CLFs in improving TB case identification and linkage to care.

Methods

Twenty CLFs were selected from 20 villages across Kampala and trained in TB/HIV screening and community sensitization, guided by the Intensified Case Finding (ICF) tool. Each team comprised two CLFs and two health workers, who conducted door-to-door visits. CLFs recorded individual biodata and family contacts in counter books to facilitate follow-up, provide results, and support timely initiation of treatment. Screening included both TB and HIV testing in line with national guidelines.

 

Results

From October to December 2023, a total of 2,310 individuals were sensitized and screened. Of these, 345 were tested for HIV and presumed for TB, with sputum samples collected for GeneXpert testing. Forty-nine TB cases were confirmed (9 PCDs and 40 PBCs), achieving a GeneXpert utilization rate of 82%. Three multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB cases were identified and linked to Mulago MDR Clinic. Seven HIV/TB co-infected clients were identified and successfully linked to care, achieving 100% linkage. Additionally, three children under 15 years presumed positive for TB were initiated on treatment.

Conclusion

The door-to-door TB screening model demonstrated that engaging CLFs significantly improves case identification, notification, and retention in care in urban slum settings. Leveraging trusted community actors is a practical and scalable strategy to enhance TB control in high-burden areas.

 
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