The Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Alliance (TEA) closed out its funding cycle in July 2024. With various projects and activities coming to an end, we would like to share key updates from TEA this summer. 

TEA will not be offering mini-grant funding this year. However, we hope to provide funding in the future and will be keeping our channels open to ensure access to and communication with the TEA Network. We are excited about the future of TEA in our efforts for TB elimination. Please stay tuned for another update later this year.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our TEA Network, including our Steering Committee, Members, partners, mini-grant recipients and organizations that have supported TEA over the last five years. Your encouragement and contributions have been fundamental in TEA’s growth and success. Thank you for being a valuable part of TEA and your efforts to build healthy communities free of TB!

TEA Impact Report

AAPCHO developed a report to summarize its impact from 2019 to 2024 and serves as an overview of the Final Evaluation from Great Impacts Consulting. We hope these insights will guide you on a journey of learning about TEA’s program highlights and impact over the past five years. In addition, the report includes TEA’s goals moving forward as we focus on strategic planning and health equity efforts to eliminate TB and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) inequities among Asian and Asian American (A/AA) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) populations for the greater TB community.

Read the impact report »

2023 - 2024 TEA Mini-Grant Program

Mini-Grantee "Lessons Learned" Presentations

The TEA 2023-2024 mini-grantee cohort provided “Lessons Learned” presentations during TEA Member calls in June and July of 2024 to share successes, challenges, barriers, and best practices with regard to their TB projects and work throughout the Mini-Grant Program. The following speakers provided presentations:

Watch mini-grantees’ “Lessons Learned” presentations »

Topline Analysis of Final Reports from Mini-Grantees

In August 2024, AAPCHO conducted a topline analysis of final reports from TEA's 2023-2024 mini-grantee cohort, building on the mid-year topline analysis conducted by Great Impacts Consulting. Analysis findings showed the cohort’s milestones, outcomes, and lessons learned.

View the final report topline analysis findings »

2024 LTBI/TB Screening, Testing, and Treatment Preliminary Needs Assessment for A/AA and NH/PI-Serving Community Health Centers

Building on the 2017 and 2022 AAPCHO-led LTBI/TB needs assessments, the 2024 preliminary assessment aimed to evaluate whether the needs, challenges, and promising practices related to LTBI/TB screening, testing, and treatment among A/AA and NH/PI-serving community health centers (CHCs) have evolved since 2022. The assessment also considered additional populations, including the Marshallese, Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American, African/North African, Arabic, Pakistani, and refugee communities. 

The assessment involved four surveys with qualifying CHCs in the U.S. and its territories, and three follow-up interviews with interested CHC respondents. While a comprehensive needs assessment was not feasible due to time limitations this year, this preliminary assessment’s executive summary provides valuable insights and recommendations from respondents, and guidance for a more detailed future evaluation to include a broader range of populations. Read the 2024 LTBI/TB needs assessment executive summary »

Bridges to Build Webinar: TB in the Pacific Islander Community Within the Continental U.S.

The Bridges to Build webinar series, led by the Curry International TB Center (CITC), originated on a call to action to focus on cultural and structural humility, as well as meeting patients where they are. The past three iterations have focused on TB in African American, binational (U.S.-Mexico) and A/AA communities. 

This year’s webinar was co-led by CITC, AAPCHO, and Heartland National TB Center on August 8th. It focused on the PI community within the continental U.S. and their experiences with access to TB care and the quality of care they receive. Presenters shared specific strategies for clinicians and programs to consider to improve TB care for PI patients, leading to better health outcomes. 494 learners enrolled in the webinar, which saw 285 unique attendees. 

View CITC’s previous webinar trainings here »

Thank You AAPCHO Summer 2024 Infectious Disease Intern, Riana Tadeo!

Get to know AAPCHO’s Summer 2024 Infectious Disease Intern, Riana Tadeo! Riana supported AAPCHO’s TB and infectious disease priorities this year. She developed a recap video towards the end of her internship period, which highlights the culmination of her time at AAPCHO and summarizes the various projects, activities, and opportunities that she dedicated her time to. These include TEA’s 2019-2024 Impact Report, 2024 Follow-up to the 2022 TB Needs Assessment and site visits to some of AAPCHO’s California Members. Thank you, Riana, for all your contributions and hard work this summer!

Watch Riana’s recap video »

Additional Resources and Announcements

Risk Factors Underlying Racial and Ethnic Disparities in TB Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes

Researchers used data from the National TB Surveillance System and examined potential disparities in TB outcomes between people with TB disease who were U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born. Key findings include:

These findings underscore the need for initiatives that mitigate the structural and environmental factors in TB case management to reduce disparities in TB outcomes among people born in the U.S. Read the article »

Long-Term Effects of Domestic and International TB Service Improvements on TB Trends Within the U.S.

In this article, authors modeled how U.S. TB incidence could be affected by changes in domestic TB services as well as changes to TB services internationally. The study found that a combination of strengthening domestic TB services, promoting the development of more effective technologies and interventions, and supporting tuberculosis programs in countries with a high TB burden are key strategies for accelerating progress towards TB elimination in the U.S. Read the article »

Applications Open for Hepatitis B United “Getting to Protected” Learning Collaborative 

Hep B United is excited to announce its new CHC Learning Collaborative module: “Getting to Protected”. This module will focus on strategies for improving hepatitis B screening and vaccination, and keeping patients engaged.

The goal is for attendees to improve their capacity to implement hepatitis B education, screening, vaccination, and linkage to care programs and promote cross-sector partnerships with community-based organizations.  Apply by Fri, 8/30 »

Registration & Abstract Submissions Open! 2024 Pacific Islands TB Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference

The 2024 PITCA Conference abstract committee welcomes the submission of abstracts for poster presentations on all aspects of TB control. Relevant topics include TB epidemiology, clinical, nursing and outreach, laboratory, education, and training, as well as outcomes of program initiatives.

Submit an abstract by Fri, 8/30 »
Register for the conference »

Registration & Abstract Submissions Open! CDC TB Education and Training Network (ETN) and TB Program Evaluation Network (PEN) Conference 

The CDC Division of TB Elimination is hosting a free TB-focused conference from September 17–19, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

This conference is jointly sponsored by TB ETN and TB PEN, and presents a unique opportunity for TB program staff to expand their understanding of TB education, training, and program evaluation. Participants will hear updated information and best practices, as well as engage in networking opportunities. They will also learn from recognized experts in their field and from each other.

More information »
Register here »

At AAPCHO and TEA, we look forward to continuing our work with our Members, partners, community members, and advocates in LTBI/TB elimination. If you have any questions or feedback related to the content in this email, contact us at tea@aapcho.org.