The Tufayo (We Care) Project is a Tuberculosis (TB) awareness initiative funded by the Global Fund, supervised by Baylor Uganda. Our mission is to sensitize communities about TB, creating widespread awareness and combating the escalating numbers of TB cases in Uganda. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National TB and Leprosy Program (2015), TB prevalence is alarmingly high, with 253 cases per 100 adults and 36 cases per 1000 children. This alarming statistic is primarily attributed to an information gap among the population.
Our project specifically targets the Kayunga Town Council and sub-county areas, focusing on the youth in the identified hotspots. The implementation of this initiative encompasses various strategies, including radio talk shows, community dialogues, TB screening, and the referral of presumptive TB cases for testing. Furthermore, the project places significant emphasis on capacity building for both board members and organizational executives. Areas of focus include financial management, leadership, governance, and resource mobilization management—all aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the organization.
The Tufayo Project plays a crucial role in bridging this information gap. We engage with communities through various channels, including radio talk shows and community dialogues. By providing educational sessions on TB, its symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early detection, we empower individuals with knowledge that can save lives. Our team conducts TB screening, and presumptive TB cases are promptly referred for testing, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.
We also recognize the importance of organizational capacity building. Through collaboration with our funders and partners, we provide training to board members and executives. This training covers areas such as financial management, leadership, governance, and resource mobilization. These efforts ensure that our organization operates efficiently and effectively, maximizing our impact in the fight against TB in Uganda.