Biography
Abigail de Villiers holds a Bachelor’s and Honours degree in BioMathematics from Stellenbosch University and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, as well as a Master’s in Epidemiology from Stellenbosch University. She is currently pursuing a Dr. Sci. Hum. at Heidelberg University Hospital, focusing on modelling the impact and cost-effectiveness of novel diagnostic tools and strategies for detecting drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Key Impacts
Can temporary mass screening campaigns accelerate declines in TB incidence in high-burden TB/HIV countries?
A temporary mass screening campaign may reduce TB incidence in the short term in South Africa, particularly among PNLWH, but yields only modest long-term impact. We speculate that persistent delays in care-seeking, a high pool of latent TB infections, and higher reactivation risk especially among PLWH, may limit sustained impact. Combining screening with TB preventive therapy or repeated campaigns might enhance the benefits of screening.
Source: Conference 2024