May 16, 2025
The "trainer of trainees" (ToT) supported by HJFMRI leading the On-site Training on the use the Determine TB LAM test for PLHIV in Chunya DC.
In a landmark move to strengthen the fight against tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV (PLWH), this week HJF Medical Research International in collaboration with the Tanzania Ministry of Health officially started on site training on the use of TB LF-LAM (Lateral flow lipoarabinomannan) testing for healthcare providers in Mbeya region.
Tanzania, like many high-burden countries, faces persistent challenges in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV (PLHIV)—especially those with advanced HIV disease or seriously ill clients.
To address this, the TB Lipoarabinomannan (TB_LAM) test—a simple, urine-based, point-of-care tool—was introduced by the Ministry of Health as part of a national strategy to reduce diagnostic delays in PLHIV. To ensure smooth implementation, the test is being rolled out countrywide using an On-site training model.
This critical initiative in the Mbeya Region, supported by PEPFAR through the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), is a close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National TB and Leprosy Programme (NTLP). It marks a significant step toward improving TB diagnosis for the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially in high-burden settings. The introduction of TB-LAM testing has proven vital in identifying TB among seriously ill HIV-positive patients. However, the success of this test depends heavily on the capacity of health workers to correctly identify eligible patients, collect and process samples, and interpret results.
“The combination of practical, context-based training and simple, effective diagnostic tools is proving to be a powerful strategy in the fight against TB,” said Dr. Rochius Modest, the HJFMRI District Program Lead in Chunya DC.
Around 280 healthcare workers from 56 selected health facilities in Mbeya region including nurses, clinicians, and lab staff, are participated in the on-site training of the TB LF-LAM platform, result interpretation, documentation, and patient linkage to care.
"This training gives us the tools to save lives," said Jesca Nassoro, a laboratory scientist at Chunya District Hospital. "LAM testing will help us reach patients who were previously missed — especially those who are critically ill and show advance HIV disease."
The success of TB_LAM OJT in Chunya DC will now set off a plan for the Southern Highlands regional scale-up, with the Ministry of Health through NTLP, aiming to expand the model to other high-burden districts.
The "trainer of trainees" (ToT) Mr. Honery Mnyanyi demonstrates how to conduct a Determine TB LAM to Ms. Jesca Nassoro a Laboratory scientists at Chunya District Hospital.