Tuberculosis preventive therapy in Sierra Leone: early implementation gaps and lessons learned

BACKGROUND: In 2023, Sierra Leone started tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) implementation. The tuberculosis programme recommends four contacts per index case for tracing and screening. METHODS: This study was to assess the performance of early implementation of contact tracing, screening, and TPT uptake in five regional hospitals. RESULTS: Of 905 index cases recorded, 1,222 contacts were traced and screened by community health workers. Of these, 433 were enrolled into TPT, and 353 (82%) completed the TPT regimen. Eighty out of 353 (18%) on TPT were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Deficiencies in documenting contacts and logistical constraints to trace, screen, and follow up for enrolment and completion of TPT need to be addressed for TPT scale-up.