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REACH

Linking to care initiative

INTEGRATING NCDs INTO PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT

The Linking to Care Initiative aims to integrate Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) into the existing model of private sector engagement for TB in Chennai. The screening, diagnosis, management and prevention of TB comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension (HT) results in a comprehensive, integrated, people-centred package of care services for people with TB through REACH’s Nakshatra Centers. TB Nanbans (Nanban means friend in Tamil) screen people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and their family contacts for DM and HT, give them information on NCDs and if required, link them to care services. 


REACH implements this five-year project (2019-24) in Chennai with support from Advance Access & Delivery and the Lilly Global Health Partnership.

recent updates

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

People with symptoms of TB (PwTBS), People with TB (PwTB), and contacts of PwTB who are above 30 years are screened for Diabetes and Hypertension. Free coupons for diabetes and hypertension screening are provided for HbA1c test. 

support group for people with diabetes

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

A support group for people with Diabetes was launched in August 2021 to help improve the knowledge about the condition and bring about behaviour change for improved lifetyle modification and adopting healthy diet and exercise. A booklet to track key values was launched in November 2021. Read more.

community awareness programmes

screening & testing for non-communicable diseases

community awareness programmes

Over 100 community awareness programs, both virtually and in-person, on Diabetes and Hypertension were held to educate the general public on the risk factors, signs and symptoms of NCDs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of NCDs. 

PROJECT objectives

SEARCH: To actively screen for diabetes and hypertension among people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and family contacts of PwTB

SEARCH: To actively screen for diabetes and hypertension among people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and family contacts of PwTB

SEARCH: To actively screen for diabetes and hypertension among people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and family contacts of PwTB

TREAT: To link people diagnosed with DM and HT to quality treatment and education to help manage the diseases

SEARCH: To actively screen for diabetes and hypertension among people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and family contacts of PwTB

SEARCH: To actively screen for diabetes and hypertension among people with symptoms of TB (PwSTB), people with TB (PwTB) and family contacts of PwTB

SUPPORT: To support people diagnosed and their families in maintaining good control through periodic follow up and counselling

PREVENT: To sensitise private practitioners on the importance of screening for DM and HT and to increase awareness of DM and HT among people by providing information on the importance of early diagnosis and management

PREVENT: To sensitise private practitioners on the importance of screening for DM and HT and to increase awareness of DM and HT among people by providing information on the importance of early diagnosis and management

PREVENT: To sensitise private practitioners on the importance of screening for DM and HT and to increase awareness of DM and HT among people by providing information on the importance of early diagnosis and management

PREVENT: To sensitise private practitioners on the importance of screening for DM and HT and to increase awareness of DM and HT among people by providing information on the importance of early diagnosis and management

PREVENT: To sensitise private practitioners on the importance of screening for DM and HT and to increase awareness of DM and HT among people by providing information on the importance of early diagnosis and management

After the Diabetes diagnosis, my husband and I spend time walking together for an hour. Finally, we have time for ourselves and have renewed our relationship. I must thank REACH for suggesting blood sugar testing for us


Mrs Sangeeta (name changed to protect privacy)

key activities

Care and Support

Lab services for early diagnosis

Lab services for early diagnosis

The project provides services for people with TB, DM and HT by ensuring screening, diagnosis, and treatment support. These services are offered by TB Nanbans based at Nakshatra Centres, our hubs for holistic care for TB and NCDs in Chennai. Most people with TB are referred by private providers to Nakshatra centres. 

Lab services for early diagnosis

Lab services for early diagnosis

Lab services for early diagnosis

REACH provides lab support for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) testing for people with TB in the private sector through three GeneXpert machines, housed at the Voluntary Health Services, Taramani. As a response to COVID-19 and to provide easy access to screening facilities for NCDs, REACH has established private-private partnerships with several laboratories in Chennai. 

Improving DM and HT screening

Lab services for early diagnosis

Improving DM and HT screening

To ensure all PwSTB were able to access the tests for DM, private laboratories were sensitised and engaged formally to ensure free HbA1c testing through coupons.  Electronic BP monitors are being used in a cohort of 20 Nakshatra Centres. TB Nanbans have been trained in the use of the equipment and recording of values on standardised formats. 

telecounselling

improving treatment adherance

Improving DM and HT screening

Given the COVID-19 restrictions, TB Nanbans provided TB and NCD care services to people with TB or TB symptoms, as well as eligible members of the family through regular phone follow-ups. 

improving treatment adherance

improving treatment adherance

improving treatment adherance

STAMP, an acronym for Support for Treatment Adherence and Medication Protocol, is a multi-function electronic medicine dispenser and reminds users, i.e., people on treatment for TB, to take their medicine at the same time everyday, thereby assisting them to complete their treatment successfully. 

Communication materials

improving treatment adherance

improving treatment adherance

REACH has developed several different communication materials targeted towards behaviour change. Download here.





REACH or the Resource group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health is a non-profit organisation based in India and working on Tuberculosis for over two decades.


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