Zim Launches Unitaid-Funded Project to Tackle Drug...

Zim Launches Unitaid-Funded Project to Tackle Drug-Resistant TB Through Community Power

Michael Gwarisa

Zimbabwe has taken a bold step in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) with the launch of the Unitaid-funded COMBAT DRTB project, an ambitious initiative set to place communities at the center of TB care and drive transformative change in how the disease is managed across the country.

The project, officially titled Community-Driven Approaches for Transformative Change to Combat Drug-Resistant TB, was unveiled today at an inception meeting held in Harare, bringing together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and development partners.

The launch marks a significant push towards person-centered care and multisectoral collaboration in line with the global End TB Strategy.

Speaking at the event, Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director of the AIDS and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, emphasized that the new project aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader TB control strategy and the global TB elimination agenda.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care leads the drive towards integrated patient-centered care and prevention as well as bold policies and supportive systems as part of our interventions to end TB,” said Dr Mugurungi.

“This is in line with the 2015 End TB Strategy Pillars, which stress the need for strong coalitions with civil society and communities, and the promotion of equity in all TB control efforts.”

He noted that while programmatic approaches to care can sometimes overlook the individual needs of patients, the COMBAT DRTB project seeks to reverse that trend by investing in high-quality care and addressing the social determinants of TB.

“Resources, both domestic and external, must be continuously mobilised if we are to improve DR-TB outcomes,” he added. “Through this project, we aim to strengthen community involvement, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately contribute to a better-performing national TB programme.”

The objectives of the meeting included formally notifying stakeholders of the initiative, developing a shared understanding of the project’s goals and scope, and building momentum for collaboration and implementation. Stakeholders also had an opportunity to review the project workplan and timelines, and to provide feedback on how to optimise impact.

The project is expected to result in improved DR-TB care at the patient level, enhanced treatment outcomes, and stronger national TB programme performance.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Mr Berven Murungweni commended the efforts of all partners involved in the launch and implementation of the COMBAT DRTB project, including the Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation and the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme.

“I believe that justice has been done to the objectives of today’s meeting,” said Mr Murungweni. “This engagement reflects our commitment to teamwork in the fight against TB, including its drug-resistant forms.”

He noted that the next phase must now be action-oriented, with support from all levels of stakeholders.

“The implementation of the COMBAT DRTB project begins now. We need both technical and non-technical support from all corners,” he said. “As the Ministry, we will continue to lead and support all efforts to control and end TB.”

Mr Murungweni also highlighted the need to amplify the voices of TB-affected communities, underscoring the ethical imperative to remain people-focused in all health interventions.

"Let us continue to give volume to the voices of those affected by TB. After all, we are here for them. They are not here for us.”

The COMBAT DRTB project is funded by Unitaid, a global health initiative that invests in innovations to prevent, diagnose, and treat major diseases in low- and middle-income countries. The project represents yet another milestone in Zimbabwe’s continued fight against TB, a disease that remains a leading cause of death in the country despite ongoing control efforts.

With community empowerment, multi-sectoral collaboration, and evidence-based approaches at its core, the COMBAT DRTB initiative offers a timely and strategic response to one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing health challenges.