Community Based Assessment of 1HP Short Course - Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy Regimen in Kano State Nigeria, June 2024

Rahama Girl Child and Women Empowerment Initiative (Rahama) is a non-profit organisation with registration number CAC/IT/NO 112350 founded in June 2018 by a group of young activists with a vision of change to support and empower vulnerable women, youths and deprived children in Nigeria. This NGO was founded by the willingness of the members to deal with the socio economic and legal problems faced by girl child, youths and women which include lack of access to education, rape, early marriage, domestic violence, violation of human rights, gender bias etc in communities, understanding the problems through liaison with community leaders and baseline surveys and finding out the best way to solve the issues through partnerships with Government, other NGOs, community members and community based organisations.

About 1HP Project

The 1HP Project funded by Treatment Action Group seeks to build the community demand of short course preventive therapy among all eligible populations through leveraging on existing structures, stakeholders and healthcare services in Kano State of Nigeria by December 2024. The objectives are as follows:

• To assess the perceptions of all at risk-populations, household contacts and eligible population on the acceptability of 1HP by December 2024
• To strengthen the knowledge levels of communities and other TB champions on a community led approach of 1HP in high burden LGAs of Kano state.
• To create Community demand for 1HP among at risk-population and household contacts at the State level.
• To advocate for a scaled up and sustained 1HP through mobilization of stakeholders at the state level.

Map Spread of Data Collection Exercise in Kano State

Some of the Key Findings

• Out of the 2083 participants, 1427 responded No to the question of  "Do you know anyone that has contracted Tuberculosis?" while 656 responded with Yes. 
• Also for the question of "Have you heard of Latent TB Infection?" 1678 responded with No and 404 responded with Yes. This shows a low awareness among household contacts and at risk population on latent TB infection.
• For Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy, 2028 responded with No and 54 with Yes showing a low awareness on TPT 
• For HIV awareness, we asked if they have been screened for HIV,  1347 of them said No while 698 of them said Yes showing a low level of HIV testing among household contact and at risk population.
• General Perception: Many respondents describe 1HP as good, important, and effective in preventing TB. Some specific phrases used include "it is effective," "it works," "it prevents," and "it is not harmful."
• Preventive Benefits: A significant number of responses emphasize that 1HP helps in preventing TB. Terms such as "prevention," "preventive measures," and "protects the immune system" are frequently mentioned. Respondents appreciate the preventive aspect, with statements like "prevention is better than cure" and "it would have prevented the disease."
• Personal Experience: A few respondents mention personal or familial use of 1HP, indicating they have taken it or know someone who has. Responses like "I have taken" and "my child has taken it" reflect this personal connection.
• Interest in Usage: There is an expressed interest in using 1HP, with some respondents indicating willingness to take it if it helps prevent TB. Statements such as "I am interested to use," "I have to give," and "I will take" showcase this interest.

Kindly find the full Assessment Report