TB Health Check puts self-screening in everyone’s hands

NATIONAL NEWS - The Department of Health (DoH) launched a self-screening digital tool for Tuberculosis (TB) ahead of World TB Day which is commemorated on 24 March.

The tool, TB HealthCheck, which is available on WhatsApp and via USSD, was launched by Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize along with SA’s first TB Prevalence Survey on 8 February and allows for individuals to screen for TB risk and symptoms and help reduce transmission.

Results from SA’s first TB Prevalence Survey estimated that there were 390 000 people with TB in the country and almost 40 per cent of these individuals are either not diagnosed or treated.

Mkhize said addressing the TB epidemic will require a shift in the way proactive health-seeking behaviour is achieved.

“Previously, we focused on symptomatic patients and those living with HIV. We now need to encourage everyone to screen and test for TB to achieve elimination,” he added.

TB HealthCheck is expected to play an important role in the DoH’s mission to make South Africa TB Free.

“The department appreciates the continued support from the various stakeholders, including Praekelt.org and Bill & Melinda Gates, which have been involved in this initiative to get everyone self-screening.”

The self-assessment digital tool is designed to make self-screening easy and efficient, while also identifying individuals who need to get tested.

It refers to those who require a test to public health facilities for a free TB test.

The system is integrated into HealthCheck, the department`s Covid-19 digital self-assessment tool.

TB HealthCheck is available in English and more languages will be added over time to ensure that language is not a barrier to the effective use of this intervention.

Praekelt.org managing director Debbie Rogers says ending the TB epidemic means helping those with Tuberculosis to easily access screening services wherever they are, getting them tested at their nearest healthcare facility and receiving effective treatment without delay.

“We are thrilled that TB HealthCheck has now been launched as it provides an effective digital risk assessment tool that allows for early detection and management of TB patients,” says Rogers.

“Individuals can do the self-assessment on their phones, in a private space, and be guided to the next steps should these be indicated.”

TB HealthCheck is based on the success of the Covid-19 HealthCheck which is used by almost 2 million South Africans to self-assess their Covid-19 risk.

As with Covid-19 HealthCheck, the risk profile of the TB HealthCheck user will be matched with follow-up messages that will prompt them to either take a test, confirm their test result or screen regularly.

WhatsApp

South Africans can access the service immediately by saving the DoH number+27 60 123456 to their contacts and then messaging the word ‘TB’ to do their TB HealthCheck.