Closure of the APRECIT Project: A Crucial Step Forward in the Fight Against Tuberculosis

Initiated by the Mérieux Foundation and generously funded by Expertise France, the APRECIT project aimed to assess strategies for enhancing the screening and overall management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) in Cameroon and Madagascar. Health experts emphasize that approximately 30% of individuals diagnosed with latent tuberculosis reject treatment, citing the absence of symptoms. However, latent TB can swiftly progress to its active form over time.

Over the course of three years, the project yielded conclusive results. A total of 1649 contact cases were monitored, with 1025 in Madagascar and 624 in Cameroon. APRECIT not only revealed the prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in communities but also contributed to the improvement of the quality of life for contact cases.

During the closure ceremony, Dr. Sara Eyangoh, the Scientific Manager of APRECIT-Cameroon, presented the project's successes and outlined future prospects. Notable achievements include the reinforcement of active research for both index and contact cases, as well as the promotion of the sustainability of the community intervention model for its seamless integration into national tuberculosis control programs.

Key figures in the success of the APRECIT project include Dr. Mirdad Kazanji, Suzanne Belinga, Alain Roger Mboh, and the dedicated APRECIT team. Their collective efforts have propelled this initiative forward, marking a crucial advancement in the ongoing battle against tuberculosis.