Perspectives from the 2 International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium: mobilising advocacy and research for improved outcomes.

In 2020, it was estimated that there were 155 million survivors of TB alive, all at risk of possible post TB disability. The 2 International Post-Tuberculosis Symposium (Stellenbosch, South Africa) was held to increase global awareness and empower TB-affected communities to play an active role in driving the agenda. We aimed to update knowledge on post-TB life and illness, identify research priorities, build research collaborations and highlight the need to embed lung health outcomes in clinical TB trials and programmatic TB care services.

Assessing the impact of a cleaning programme on environmental hygiene in labour and neonatal wards: an exploratory study in The Gambia.

Background: Effective surface cleaning in hospitals is crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens. However, hospitals in low- and middle-income countries face cleaning challenges due to limited resources and inadequate training.

Methods: We assessed the effectiveness of a modified TEACH CLEAN programme for trainers in reducing surface microbiological contamination in the newborn unit of a tertiary referral hospital in The Gambia.

Perspectives of TB survivors and policymakers on post-TB disability.

Background: An international multistakeholder participatory workshop was hosted in the Gambia, West Africa, in November 2021.

Objectives: To explore the experiences, challenges and recommendations of workshop participants on health and wellbeing after TB treatment.

Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach was used for data collection through facilitator-guided group discussions.

Exploring the perspectives of members of international tuberculosis control and research networks on the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis services: a cross sectional survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to healthcare services globally and has impacted on tuberculosis (TB) patients and TB diagnosis and treatment services both in low- and high-income countries. We therefore explored the perspectives of members of regional and international TB control and research networks to further understand TB service disruptions and compared the experiences of members from West African and European countries.

Methods: This cross-sectional, explorative descriptive study was conducted from May to July 2020 using an open online survey with target respondents from both West African and European countries.