URC-SWAZILAND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER · 2019-12-17 · URC In-Service Training Advisor, Hugben...
Transcript of URC-SWAZILAND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER · 2019-12-17 · URC In-Service Training Advisor, Hugben...
Improving systems to empower communities
FOREWORD BY THE COUNTRY DIRECTOR
The month of April had two critical activ-
ities, externally and internally, supported
by URC. The external, TB Program Re-
view & internal, the URC Staff QRM
Meeting. The USAID ASSIST and CDC
URC lab project staff participated and
provided the much need technical assis-
tance to the process of TB program review,
overall, the review was hailed as a success
because all the objectives of the review
were accomplished. To this end, I wish to
congratulate all staff who took part in the
review for a job well done. The review
called for the project staff to travel and
visit TB clinics, labs and organizations
countrywide providing TB services within
the country, sometimes working till very
late in the night. Added to the activities
was evaluating the implementation of the
TB NSP 2010-2014 and assessing current
responses, identifying successes and best
practices that can be scaled up; opportuni-
ties that can be optimized; and challenges
that need to be addressed. This was a mile-
stone in TB control, as an organization we
pledge to continue to work with the TB pro-
gram in developing and supporting the
implementation of the subsequent TB stra-
tegic plan 2015-2019
On the other hand the organization inter-
nally conducted a successful staff quarterly
review meeting (QRM) This forum has cre-
ated a unique opportunity for staff to pre-
sent, share and learn from other colleagues,
this has created an organizational culture of
learning, sharing knowledge and sharing
expertise.
In the month of May we look forward to
Internal Laboratory Audits, the finalization
of both SHLS strategic plan 2014-2018 and
the TB NSP 2015-2019 strategy.
Finally I would like to welcome new staff
who will join URC in the subsequent months
and I hope they will fit in and enjoy work at
URC and contribute to the growth of URC.
To the rest of the URC staff keep up the
commitment to finding and providing solu-
tion to health challenges in Swaziland and
improving the quality of life for the people
of Swaziland.
URC-SWAZILAND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
April 2014 Issue
10 May 2014 Volume 1, Issue 4
Inside this issue:
April Staff Quarterly Re-
view Meeting: Progress To-
wards Accreditation & Insti-
tutionalization of Quality Im-
provement Approaches
2
The National Launch of the
Laboratory Research Train-
ing and Mentorship
3
Manzini Region Community
TB Awareness & Sensitiza-
tion Event at Malkerns
4
Countrywide Rollout of the
GeneXpert: New Technologies
to Increase TB Detection
5
National Annual Quality
Management Forum:
“Improving Quality Manage-
ment Systems for Enhanced
Health Outcomes”
6
The National TB Control
Program Review: Impact of
TB Control Implementation
Over the Last Five Years (201
-2014)
7
Laboratory Information
System: Improving Lab Turn-
around Time & Patient Man-
agement
8
Tips for Collecting Sputum 9
URC Welcomes Two Bun-
dles of Joy
10
Congratulations to Our April
QRM Star
11
Other Activities in April 12
Upcoming Activities in May 12
Dr Samson Haumba, URC Swaziland Country Director
Improving systems to empower communities
On the 28th and 29th of April 2014, the
University Research CO., LLC (URC-
Swaziland) Monitoring and Evaluating
(M&E) team organized and facilitated the
2nd Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM) for
the year. The workshop attended by 30
URC staff was held at the Mountain Inn
Hotel, themed ‘Progress Towards Accredi-
tation’. Each project staff attending the
workshop was given an opportunity to
share and give feedback on their day-to-
day activities on both Lab and ASSIST
projects tracking their progress in the quar-
ter towards accreditation.
Objectives guiding the workshop included:
Use of data to inform results towards targets and implemen-tation outcomes.
Presenting key performance indicators of supported health facilities and services.
Identifying corrective measures and interventions to address gaps in supported sites and systems.
Presenting on progress to-wards accreditation and quality improvement performance of selected sites
Sharing best practices and transferring knowledge.
A highlight from this workshop was the
inauguration of a new initiative to the staff
QRM workshop. This is identifying a star
employee from the time of preparing and
duration of the QRM workshop. Reported
by the Knowledge Management KM and
M&E team the QRM was a success with
regards to the presentations and participa-
tory effort given by the staff. Examining
further the QRM plays a significant and
notable role of improving data quality. In
regards to knowledge management it
helps staff to do their work better and save
time through better decision making and
problem solving. This in turn helps the staff
to keep up to date facilitating more effec-
tive networking and collaboration.
APRIL STAFF QUARTERLY REVIEW MEETNG: Progress Towards Accreditation & Institutionalization of Quality Improvement Approaches
Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 4
URC In-Service Training Advisor, Hugben Byarugaba presenting while seated, a
newly introduced method of presenting during QRMs.
URC staff participat-ing in energizers ,
that served the pur-pose of keeping them
attentive during presentations.
URC staff seated in a semi-circle, which creat-ed a relaxed and condu-cive environ-ment.
URC Research &Training Advisor, Dr Charmaine Khudzie Mlambo comforta-ble with presenting while standing up.
Improving systems to empower communities
The CDC –URC lab project in a bid to
strengthen health laboratory research
capacity in Swaziland, the Laboratory
Research Training and Mentorship
(LRTM) programme was launched nation-
ally on the 2nd of April 2014. Currently
there is limited local expertise in research
in the Swaziland Health Laboratory Ser-
vices (SHLS), however with the timely
launch of the LRTM research capacity in
the country will be improved.
The launch of the LRTM is aimed at ad-
dressing the need for skilled researchers
in the SHLS by using training and men-
toring approaches. These approaches will
help the SHLS with designing and con-
ducting new studies, which will help pro-
vide leadership in research activities and
applying of findings to improve public
health practices.
The Deputy Director of Health Services,
Dr Vusi Magagula in his speech during
the launch, elatedly shared that the
launch of the programme would certainly
improve research in the country which
has remained a weakness within the
Ministry of Health. Alluding to the objec-
tive of the programme, he said,
“Research is a means to improving ser-
vices and with the launch of the LRTM
programme, the Ministry of Health will
now be able to provide evidence based
information, which we can act on.”
The triumph was not only shared by the
Ministry of Health, but also the ministry’s
supporting partner, the University Re-
search CO., LLC (URC). The URC coun-
try Director, Dr Samson Haumba also had a
few sentiments to share about the pro-
gramme. Providing technical support to the
MOH is part of the key objectives of the
organisation. He noted that how exciting it
is to finally initiate research support which
will be provided to the country, especially
because research is a key component of
activities within URC.
Appreciative about the initiation of the pro-
gramme, he highlighted that the next step
was to have people publish and share re-
search findings nationally as well as inter-
nationally.
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE LABORATORY RESEARCH TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP
Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 4
The team that attended the Laboratory Research training & Mentorship (LRTM) programme launch at Maguga Lodge
Improving systems to empower communities
The National TB control programme
strategy has a key component of Advoca-
cy Communication and Social Mobilisa-
tion (ASCM) with focus on TB prevention,
including reaching communities and
people to raise awareness on TB control
and prevention. It is on this regard that on
the 9th of April 2014, the USAID ASSIST
project partnered with other organisations
hosted a TB event in Malkerns at the
Princess Pholile Hall and Play ground.
The event commenced with a march from
the Malkerns Shopping Centre to Prin-
cess Pholile Hall. The turnout at the event
was good, with 500 people in attendance.
Malkerns population is densely populated
with factory workers and school children
and this activity was specifically targeting
these groups as well as other people
around the area. Dignitaries present at
the event, including Member of Parlia-
ment (MP), Marwick Khumalo graced the
event to convey to the public the im-
portance of learning about TB and the
political will in combating TB.
Sensitization activities that were planned
for the day included distribution of Behav-
ioural Change Communication (BCC)
materials, provision of health desks for
consultations on TB and TB screening.
By the end of the event 350 people visit-
ed the University Research CO., LLC
(URC) health desk of which 539 TB BCC
materials were disseminated to the pub-
lic. Cough officers were deployed by the
National TB Control Programme (NTCP)
to provide screening of the public. 213
people were screened and 95 were test-
ed positive to the screening tool. Those
reporting any illness were referred to the
nurses and doctors.
The Malkerns Community is a big com-
munity with a factory, therefore the at-
tempt to sensitize the community and
workers on TB was vital. TB transmission
in communities such as Malkerns remains
very high. This then calls for the need for
TB health education on Infection Preven-
tion and Control as well as TB manage-
ment to help eliminate further infections.
MANZINI REGION-COMMUNITY TB AWARENESS AND SENSITIZATION EVENT AT MALKERNS
Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 4
URC TB Coordinator, Yvonne Makwabarara sharing the TB Smart Card pamphlet with
some of the community members who were in attendance.
TB health education was also provided to school children from the community who were in attendance at the event.
Healthcare worker conducting TB screen-ing to an elderly community member ,
while others queued in line.
Factory workers attentively listening to the proceedings of the pro-gramme for the day.
Improving systems to empower communities
The 16 module GeneXpert machine installed at the Mbabane Central laboratory.
Over the years, earlier and improved tuberculosis (TB) case
detection - including smear-negative disease often associated
with HIV - as well as expanded capacity to diagnose multidrug-
resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have become global priorities
for TB control, highlighting the urgency for rapid diagnostic
methods. Swaziland is a high burden country and in response
to WHO endorsement of the Cepheid Xpert MTB/Rif Assay, the
country has adopted the new technology rolling it out country
wide. The GeneXpert instrument has the capacity to detect TB
especially in patients living with HIV and detect MDR-TB, which
proved to be a challenge with previous diagnostic platforms.
In a space of 2 years a total of 24 GeneXpert machines have
been rolled out in 19 sites within Swaziland. According to the
University Research CO., LLC (URC) GeneXpert Laboratory
Mentor, the roll out of the instruments has proved to be a huge
success. The roll out of the instruments countrywide has helped
place the country in line with the WHO recommendations of
2010 which encourage the use of the technology.
Highlighting on the activities of rolling out the instrument, she
noted that in the past 6 months 5 new GeneXpert instruments
COUNTRYWIDE ROLL OUT OF THE GENEXPERT: NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO INCREASE TB DETECTION
Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 4
were installed including a 16 module instrument which was
installed at the Mbabane Central Laboratory. The 16 module
instrument was strategically placed at the Central Lab to act as
a backup site for all other laboratories within the country. It has
a capacity to run 64 samples a day, summing up to a total of
1280 samples a month. Hence, the national testing capacity for
GeneXpert is 432 tests per day, amounting to 8640 tests per
month.
The roll out of the instruments to all the TB diagnostic laborato-
ries has improved TB case detection in the country. The coun-
try is then provided with the opportunity for patients to be initiat-
ed on appropriate TB treatment earlier. Early detection and
treatment initiation will also result in decreased transmission of
TB in communities, therefore saving a number of lives.
A map depicting the distribution of the GeneXpert ma-chine in the country at the 19 sites.
Improving systems to empower communities
Volume 1, Issue 4 Page
The National Annual Quality Manage-
ment Forum was inaugurated on the
14th of April 2014 at the Convention
Centre, five years after the Quality Man-
agement Program started working with
the Ministry of Health (MOH). The key
objectives of this event were to share
technical updates on continuous quality
improvement in health and to reach a
consensus on next steps for effective
implementation of the quality strategic
framework.
The USAID ASSIST project has played
a major role in promoting the delivery of
NATIONAL ANNUAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT FORUM: “Improving Quality Management Systems for Enhanced Health Outcomes”
quality healthcare services in the coun-
try. The project supports MOH through
providing technical support such as
holding trainings and visiting clinics to
mentor and share best practices which
would improve the quality of services.
The project mainly focuses in TB health
facilities and laboratories around the
country.
The proceedings of the event included
the exhibition of 14 QIPs all supported
by the University Research CO., LLC
(URC-Swaziland) all presented in the
form of a storyboard.
“These standards came at a time when the public health
care system is in dire need of refocusing its collective ef-
forts towards improving the quality of care provided in public
health facilities and communities. Knowing that quality is
never an accident, always the result of high intention, sin-
cere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution, and
that it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
Standards need to be adhered to assure quality in health
care and continuous improvement in the care that is being
provided. Health care personnel are encouraged to use
standards of care; clinical guidelines and standard Operat-
ing procedures to focus their intentions and guide their
efforts.
I know this has not come on a silver platter but through a lot
of effort, commitment, passion and team work by the Quali-
ty Management team, Development Partners, Health pro-
fessionals from both private and Public Sector and
SWASA.”
-The Minister of Health, Sibongile Simelane
SOME OF THE EXHIBITED FACILITIES & NAME
OF QIP:
ASSIST PROJECT:
RFM TB Clinic - Improving Early ART initia-
tion for TB HIV co-infected Patients at RFM
TB clinic.
Moti Clinic - Improving the proportion of
Moti Clinic OPD attendees Routinely
Screened for TB
LAB PROJECT:
RFM Lab- Improving the quality of specimen
Mbabane Government Hospital- Improving
FBC TAT
TB Hospital- Patient flow redesign
Pigg’s Peak Hosiptal- Improving TAT for
Viral load
TB National Referral Laboratory- Improv-
ing TB culture contamination rate
Representing the MOH minister, Principal Secretary Dr Simon Zwane delivering a speech on behalf of
the ministry.
Dr Donna Jacobs, Regional Director for the Southern African Region under the USAID ASSIST Project and
Quality Performance Institute at URC.
Improving systems to empower communities
Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 4
THE NATIONAL TB CONTROL PROGRAM REVIEW: Impact of TB Control Implementation Over the Last Five Years (2010-2014)
The 2010-2014 National Strategic
Plan (NSP) came to an end in the
month March, with that happening
there was a need for a program re-
view, which started on the 30th of
March to the 11th of April. This review
was an evaluation of the NSP’s imple-
mentation, assessing current re-
sponses and their impacts on the TB
burden in the country.
The review was necessary for identi-
fying success and best practices so
that they could be scaled up and also
needed to generate information that
will inform the development of a sub
sequent strategic plan for the country.
To conduct the review 5 teams were
formed with one member of staff from
University Research CO., LLC (URC-
Swaziland) in each team. The teams
covered all 4 regions and central level
institutions, amounting to a total of 61
health stations visited.
The debriefing session of the review
was held on the 11th of April 2014 at
the Royal Convention Centre where
some of the key achievements of the
report were shared.
Extending his gratitude for the com-
mendable work done by relevant
stakeholders during the review, the
Ministry of Health, Principal Secre-
tary, Dr Simon Zwane acknowledged
that the exercise was in deed a suc-
cess. He said, “The team has come
out with implementable recommenda-
tions which can be done, and each
one of us has now been challenged to
pinpoint an area where we can pro-
vide assist in the fight against MDR-
TB, until there is a significant im-
provement.
Highlighted Key Achievements of 2010-2014 NSP:
Listed TB amongst the top three priority dis-
eases declaring it a national emergency.
Has ensured service coverage within eight km
of the population.
The existence of the national strategic docu-
ments and technical guidelines for programme
implementation.
A regular government financial allocation for
TB programme and TB hospital of about E40
million annually.
NTCP became a beneficiary of E 200 million
government loan from the World Bank for
health, HIV & TB control activities.
Ensured a generally uninterrupted government
fully funded supply of anti-TB medicines, ARVs
and laboratory reagents and commodities.
Finally, a successful mobilization of additional
resources from donor and collaborating part-
ners.
More Pictures from page 6...
Some of the exhibited storyboards from different facilities showcased to dignitaries at the event.
Senior represent-atives from URC-
Swaziland and the MOH
Thobile Mkhonta, URC TB/HIV Nurse stationed at RFM TB Clinic , sharing some of the work they have done at the facility.
Dignitaries at the event touring exhibited QIP storyboards.
Improving systems to empower communities
Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a
system is a software based laboratory and
information system that offers a set of key
features that support a modern laboratory ‘s
operations. Currently the LIS has been in-
stalled in 8 main labs in the country.
The value held by the system is to improve
the accuracy of lab results and accountability
of lab staff, as well as improve the availability
of analysed data for decision making to man-
agement. The LIS system is also guided by
the objectives to facilitate digital logging processing and
tracking of patient lab requests and to streamline work-
flow and improve throughput and efficiency in the turna-
round time.
It remains critical to have staff trained on LIS
for utilization of the system. Also a part of the
ingredient to achieve success from using the
system is the provision of timely LIS support.
This eliminates instances where some data
captured manually is not inputted. In addition
there is a need to make effort to support Swa-
ziland Health Laboratory Services (SHLS) to
utilize their data.
Going forward the LIS team is looking into
rolling out the LIS to more laboratories in the
country. Inclusive in the next step agenda is
for the team to install a Wide Area Network (WAN) to
enable centralized technical support and installation of
central data respiratory for a collated national picture.
Page 8 Volume 1, Issue 4
LABORATORY INFORMATION SYSTEM: IMPROVING LAB TURN-AROUND TIME & PATIENT MANAGEMENT
LIS could also be re-
ferred to as a series of
computer programs
that process, store and
manage data from all
stages of medical pro-
cesses and tests.
1
2
3
4
5 6
Improving systems to empower communities
collecting sputum from patients can be a nightmare for most nurses. However, the collection of sputum is essential for TB diagnosis,
management of patients with the disease and public health TB control services, therefore it cannot be avoided. Below are two methods
for easier and successful sputum production, effective for both the patient and the nurse.
TIPS FOR COLLECTING SPUTUM
Page 9 URC-SWAZILAND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER April 2014
Nasopharyngeal Induction Procedure
Materials:
Masks Nebuliser machine Sterile hypertonic
saline Salbutamol Sputum collection
container
Suction machine and catheter
Small volume nebulis-er
Disinfectant Disposable gloves
Procedure:
Step 1: Run correct dosage of Salbutamol in normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add hypertonic saline (3-5% NaCl solution) to the solution and continue nebulization for at least 10 minutes:
-If the child coughs during this time and produces sputum, you’re done.
-If the child does not produce a specimen within 10 minutes, insert the suction catheter, nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), or oropharyngeal airway (OPA) to stimulate cough.
Step 3: When there is adequate sputum in the oronasopharyngeal area, insert the catheter from the sputum trap (either alone or through an airway).
Step 4: Apply vacuum until at least 2ml of sputum is collected in the sputum trap. Start at 15-20kPa pressure and increase only if needed.
Step 5: Ensure that the sputum collection container is tightly sealed.
NB: NRAs should calmly explain the procedure to the child and caregiver before
performing, to minimise caregivers’ distress. NRAs may seek assistance for
carrying out the procedure from the caregiver or a duty nurse.
* 2012 MOH National Tuberculosis Programme Manual, Annex 10
Procedure:
Step 1: Boil water and pour in a cup (mug/teacup).
Step 2: Add salt in the boiling water.
Step 3: Take a cloth (eg. Scarf) and cover yourself over the cup of boiling salt water solution and inhale steam. (NB: This should be done a day before collecting sputum)
Step 4: In the early hours of morning (take advantage of the cold morning breeze) take off any clothing you wearing on top, exposing the chest.
Step 5: Slowly breathe in and out. Repeat this step 3 times.
* Method used by RFM and Mankayane hospitals.
Patient Sputum Collection Method
Equipment/Materials:
Cup Boiling water Salt
Cloth/scarf Sputum bottle
...More TIPS: Sputum specimens are best if coughed up first
thing in the morning, after you have been sleep-ing at night.
Before you do the test, gargle with water (not
mouthwash) to rinse out your mouth. Do not eat drink, smoke or brush your teeth before collecting
About a tablespoon of sputum is the amount that
is needed.
Specimens should be kept in the refrigerator (not
freezer) until they are returned to the clinic.
Improving systems to empower communities
URC WELCOMES TWO BUNDLES OF JOY
Page 10 Volume 1, Issue 4
having allowed me 12 weeks fully paid
maternity leave in order to look after my
baby and see her grow.”
Admitting the reality of being a corporate
mom, Sinele’s mom said, “Being back at
work for the past 8 weeks has not quite
been easy as I have to feed and be up at
awkward hours of the night and come to
work feeling tired. I have been lucky
though that the past few days S’ne sleeps
most of the night and I am able to wake up
geared for work. Sinele’s birth has helped
me realize my potential of multitasking. I
get home breastfeed Sinele, cook dinner
for the family, bath her, feed her and while
she sleeps I try to catch up with work be-
fore I sleep in readiness to be woken up at
midnight by her sweet screaming voice.”
“I thank URC for the breastfeeding hour
which I am rarely able to take but knowing
that it is there helps ease tension when I
feel like my baby needs me and I try plan
my activities to cater for the breastfeeding
hour when possible.”
No matter how dedicated and busy we are in the University Research CO., LLC (URC) Swaziland offices, each one of us has a life
outside the premises. So let us briefly step out of the office and take some time to share a happy moment with two of the URC employ-
ees. The two colleagues have just recently welcomed new additions in their families.
It’s a boy!
Meet the Technical Director, Dr
Marianne Calnan’s baby Mat-
thew Ekatan, who was born on the 11th of
April 2014 at 1:39am. The bouncy bundle
of joy born in the United States weighed a
healthy 3.5kg. Baby Matthew is one of two
other boys. As per the Swazi custom,
there is no doubt that Dr Marianne will be
spoilt rotten by her daughters-in law.
“We felt Matthew was a fitting name for
our boy. The name means a gift from God
and we chose it because he was unex-
pected. Also the name Matthew confers
It’s a girl!
From the Kuhlase family, meet
the URC-Swaziland TB Coordi-
nator, Nokuthula Mdluli Kuhlase’s baby girl
named Sinele Nonjabulo Kuhlase, born on
December 3, 2014. The Kuhlase family
have decided that the little princess would
be their last child as it is confirmed by the
name Sinele, loosely translated as ‘we are
complete’. In memory of her late aunt
whom the family lost late last year, the
bubbly baby girl was named Nonjabulo,
meaning happiness. Baby S’ne, who was
born weighing a whopping 2.6kg has be-
come a very special blessing to the family.
When asked about balancing work and
also being a mother, Mdluli sharing her
sentiments said, “Being a full time working
mom is very challenging, but all apprecia-
tion goes to URC Swaziland Office for
Referring to how challenging it could be
balancing work and a baby, Dr Calnan
had the following to say, “It is pretty
challenging especially when you are
sleep deprived. The trick is to nap while
the baby sleeps, but that is easier said
than done. I guess the best one can do
is to have good help with the baby, try
work short hours if you have an under-
standing boss and rest when you can.
Recognise you are not superwoman
and do not take on extra work at least
not for the first 6 months after the ba-
by’s arrival.”
certain traits in the child, like intelligence
and wisdom.”
SOCIAL CORNER
Improving systems to empower communities
The April Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM) has recently introduced a new initiative to help motivate staff during the QRM workshops.
Our first awarded star, in the second QRM in 2014 was Julius Manjengwa, URC-Swaziland TB Lab Advisor.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR APRIL QRM STAR
Page 11 Volume 1, Issue 4
One On One with the Star
When did you join URC?
I joined URC in April 2012 and I worked as a TB
Lab Advisor. Then I was later given the HIV Lab
Advisor role beginning of last year as well. It has
always been a challenge trying to keep up with the
many tasks especially in the early days but with time
I got to enjoy the work.
What are your roles as Lab advisor?
As a TB Lab Advisor my role is to support the NTCP
and the Swaziland Health Laboratory Services
(SHLS) with crafting of their strategic documents.
With our drive towards accreditation I am also a
mentor for implementation of Quality management
systems for Mankayane Lab.
Your sentiments after you were awarded the
QRM Star?
It was a great feeling learning that I was the star of
the QRM. I had put in a lot of effort to come up with
the presentations. Prior to the QRM I was committed to a lot of activi-
ties and I still had to come up with three presentations. Preparation
of these presentations stretched into my weekend, but they had to
be done. The award was even a bigger surprise and I really appreci-
ate it. It is something I never thought of buying but will come in
handy.
SOCIAL CORNER
Julius Manjengwa after he was handed his award by Dr Yohannes Ghaebreyesus
The QRM Reigning Star Profile:
Julius Manjengwa graduated from the University of
Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory
Science Honours Degree in the year 2004.
Has 10 years working experience in Government
and private laboratory settings.
Previously worked in Zimbabwe and Namibia be-
fore coming to Swaziland.
… For Laughs
Improving systems to empower communities
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES IN MAY:
Nurses commemoration Day
Bio Safety Training
SLPTA Laboratory audits - Towards accreditation
Finalization of NTCP National Strategic Plan
Finalization of SHLS strategic plan
GeneXpert Training for Laboratory Mangers
Training on Disease Outbreak
Injection Safety and waste management training
IDI TA round 3 mission
University Research CO., LLC (URC) 3rd Floor, North Wing, Building 1
Mbabane Office Park
Sozisa Road
P. O. Box 1404 Mbabane H100, Swaziland
Tel: (+268) 2404 7154/56/69
Fax: (+268) 2404 7199
Website: www.urc-chs.com
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN APRIL:
IPC focal person feedback training
GeneXpert training for microscopist
Mamisa Community Mobilisation for
community Leaders
EDITORIAL TEAM
Jilly B. Motsa
Janet Ongole
Dr Marianne Calnan
Dr Samson Haumba
URC– SWAZILAND
Who Are We…
University Research CO., LLC (URC) is dedicated to improving the quality of
healthcare, social services and health education worldwide.
Mission
URC’s mission is to provide innovative, evidence– based solutions to
health and social challenges worldwide.
Expertise
In Swaziland, URC expands access to and improves the quality of services
addressing infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB, and improving laborato-
ry quality management system
Approaches
URC focuses on finding ways to deliver proven approaches to health care prob-
lems, applying quality improvement (QI) methods and conducting research and
evaluation to tailor those approaches to various settings. Recognizing imple-
mentation barriers unique to each setting, we train local managers and service
providers to apply QI methods to strengthen health systems, integrate system
elements, and bring improvements to scale. URC also specializes in designing
health messages and materials to educate target audiences about improving
health behaviors.