Target TB working in partnership with Sue Ryder Foundation in Malawi (SRFIM)

Country/regional profile
Malawi is one of the most densely populated countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a population of 12 million. It suffers from high levels of poverty, the life expectancy is only 41 years and malnutrition affects more than 50% of children under the age of five. 

Malawi also has one of the highest levels of HIV infection in the world and TB is the leading cause of death for people with HIV. This, as well as the high levels of poverty, has contributed to the number of TB cases doubling in the last 20 years. Currently over 15,000 people die from TB every year in Malawi.

IEC officer filling out NTP referral form with TB suspect in Mpotola village 300

TB health education officer, Edward
Ngoma, helps a client fill out a TB
referral form for testing at the
local health centre.

The project focuses on rural Ntcheu district, the poorest district in Malawi where 85% of the population lives below the poverty line. Rural communities who are remote from medical facilities face difficulties accessing TB testing and treatment services, as well as health information, particularly during the long rainy season when many routes become impassable.

Our work with SRFIM
TB has been working in partnership with the Sue Ryder Foundation in Malawi since 2005. Together we are implementing a TB control project in the Bwanje Valley area of Ntcheu district, located in south-west Malawi.

Project Aims
The project aims to increase equal access to TB diagnosis and treatment and empower communities to work together in cooperation with the National TB Programme to reduce the deaths caused by TB. A wide range of health education activities aim to increase community awareness about TB, encourage early testing, support people through treatment and reduce the stigma associated with TB.

Project Activities

  • Providing training for community volunteers, village leaders, local government health workers and traditional medical practitioners on TB control activities.
  • Helping TB patients access healthcare services through outreach activities which identify people with symptoms of TB and refer them to government health centres for testing
  • Holding awareness raising events and health education talks to increase knowledge of TB and reduce stigma.