Under USAID’s IHSS-SD Activity TB Component, five (5) Mobile TB Vans (MTVs) have been handed over to the Government of Sindh to enhance active TB case-finding and household contact tracing in intervention districts, including Khairpur, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Tharparkar, and Karachi West. These MTVs, customized with Ultraportable CAD-4 X-ray and Gene Expert machines, and supported by UPS standby power supply, will play a key role in improving TB detection and diagnosis in remote areas.

Additionally, three X-ray machines have been installed at the 50-bedded Shah Faisal Colony District Hospital Korangi, MALC Orangi, and Nara Medical Center (PPHI) Choondiko Khairpur, contributing to Sindh’s public health infrastructure.

On October 24, 2024, an official handing over ceremony for the Mobile TB Vans and X-ray machines took place at Sindh Government Qatar Hospital in District West Karachi. The event was graced by the US Ambassador, Mr. Donald Bloom, with Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary of Health, and Director General Health Services Sindh also in attendance. The US Ambassador officially handed over the MTV keys to the Sindh Health Minister, marking a significant step forward in TB control efforts in Sindh.

The IHSS-SD Activity is led by JSI in collaboration with implementing partners Contech International and RSPN.

Figure: Handover event for MTVs at SG Qatar Hospital, West Karachi