Launch of the OptCARE Project in Ethiopia
Our KNCV Network Partner, KNCV Ethiopia, officially launched its "Optimizing Access to TB CARE for Children and their Families in Hard-to-reach Areas in Ethiopia (OptCARE)" project on June 24, 2025.
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Our KNCV Network Partner, KNCV Ethiopia, officially launched its "Optimizing Access to TB CARE for Children and their Families in Hard-to-reach Areas in Ethiopia (OptCARE)" project on June 24, 2025. This vital initiative, a successor to the "Programmatic Implementation of Stool Based TB Diagnosis in Children in Remote Areas of Ethiopia" project, is being implemented with financial support from the Sint Antonius Stichting Foundation (SAS-P), with in-kind co-funding from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).
About the OptCARE Project Launch
The launch event was attended by representatives from the FMOH, funders, partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and regional health officials from the six implementing zones of the four regions: Borena, Liben, Dawro, Konta, Ari, and South Omo.
The event featured welcoming remarks from the Executive Director of KNCV Ethiopia, Dr. Ahmed Bedru, followed by keynotes from SAS-P by Portfolio Associate Martine Koopman, and regional representatives, and an opening message by Mr. Taye Leta, Head of the FMOH's National TB, Leprosy and Lung Diseases Desk. The presentations during this event covered:
- Insights into national childhood TB efforts by Mr. Taye,
- An overview of results from SAS-P supported/KNCV TB Plus-led projects in Ethiopia (by Dr. Degu Jerene, Technical Lead at KNCV TB Plus); and
- An overview of the OptCARE project.
About the OptCARE Project
As the lead organization, KNCV Ethiopia will implement OptCARE project across six hard-to-reach zones in four regions: Borena (Oromia), Liben (Somali), Dawro and Konta (South West Ethiopia), and Ari and South Omo (South Ethiopia). Four dedicated project staff will collaborate closely with the FMOH and local TB teams in these zones supported by Central KNCV Ethiopia team to enhance access to innovative TB prevention and treatment services for children and their families.
The OptCARE project strives to:
- Increase TB case notification and improve TB preventive treatment (TPT) initiation through a family-focused approach.
- Implement advanced diagnostic methods, including stool Xpert testing, utilizing available digital X-rays and WHO-approved molecular tests to screen and diagnose children with presumptive TB.
- Enhance drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) detection capacity, leading to earlier identification and treatment of DR-TB cases.
- Integration of TB with other Child health services and NTDs: Considering that NTDs and other childhood illnesses significantly affect children in remote and hard to reach areas, the project will establish an integrated service strategy of TB with other common childhood illness and NTDs.
This project represents a significant step forward in Ethiopia's commitment to ending TB and improving the health outcomes of its most vulnerable populations.
