Evaluation overview – Improving screening and comprehensive management of latent tuberculosis infection in Cameroon and Madagascar (APRECIT)

In Cameroon and Madagascar, tuberculosis incidence rates are above the global average (157 and 233 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, compared to 133 cases at a global scale): a situation that requires identifying tuberculosis patients as well as preventing the disease within their close circles. However, to date, a very small percentage of household contacts have been placed on preventive treatment.

APRECIT is an operational research project aimed at evaluating different strategies to improve the screening and management of latent tuberculosis infection. It was conducted by the Mérieux Foundation and implemented by the Pasteur Center of Cameroon and the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Programs and community-based organizations. Indeed, this project engages community health workers in each country to identify 250 index cases of tuberculosis patients and recruit 1,250 household contacts around these index cases to be monitored over a 24-month period.