The puerto rico tuberculosis central program (prtbcp), part of the PR department of health is committed to the control and eventual elimination of tuberculosis as stated in healthy people 2030…

The puerto rico tuberculosis central program (prtbcp), part of the PR department of health is committed to the control and eventual elimination of tuberculosis as stated in healthy people 2030 immunization and infectious disease goals. The jurisdiction serves 3.2 million in the island and gives occasional support to US virgin islands. Mayor atmospheric catastrophe (hurricane maria), fiscal bankruptcy, and most recent covid pandemic have provoke a 600,000-population loss and disruption in medical services that have led to a decrease in reported jurisdictional TB cases. The above mentioned and the fact that almost 20 percent of our reported cases were identified at death exemplifies that there is underreporting and under diagnosis in our jurisdiction. The propose grant will help obtain assistance needed for securing resources for surveillance, program planning and evaluation, consultation services to healthcare providers, oversight the TB efforts at the regional level, laboratory services, and human resource development. Strategies and activities to achieve our goals will include advising providers on TB diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing in managing cases to ensure treatment adherence and completion in a timely and accurate manner. Another goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment of persons with latent TB infection, with emphasis on high risk treatment groups, such as patients with HIV, diabetes, incarcerated, and ivda users, by enhancing collaboration with organizations and providers that serve these groups. Adequate collection and reporting of individuals lbti for contacts, immigrants, and refugees will also be strengthen. The prtbcp will be also conducting ongoing program evaluations to improve performance towards national performance efforts during the next grant cycle as well. To improve laboratory capacity to ensure availability of high quality prompt TB laboratory services there will be evaluation of laboratory data/practices to address areas that need improvement. The expected outcomes following completion of proposed grant cycle is to achieve/ approach ntip guidelines as stated in 2025 CDC treatment goals, by enhancing education strategies to healthcare providers, improving case management, continuing developing human resources strategies to improve areas that need improvement, and strengthening the laboratory capabilities