Rider For Health

For TB control, timely and accurate diagnosis is one of the key system-level efforts that can potentially save lives and reduce the burden of disease by interrupting transmission of TB. GeneXpert is an advanced molecular diagnostic technique/machine that has significantly better sensitivity to detect TB in a sample than conventional microscopy testing. GeneXpert testing detects additional cases, which are otherwise missed because of lower sensitivity of microscopy. To this end, substantial amount of funds on the procurement and installation of diagnostic machines (GeneXpert) has been with little focus on making people’s access easier and on improving the utilisation of these machines.
Currently, there is no field arrangement to ensure that the presumptive TB cases from remote sites get access to accurate and rapid diagnosis. If an individual is able to reach a medical facility, it is less likely that they will revisit the facility to collect results and consult with a doctor. These repeated visits result in out-of-pocket expenses for presumptive cases, and therefore these services remain under-utilised.
MC aims to increase patients’ access to timely and quality diagnosis by implementing the riders model for sputum transportation.

When the sputum is collected at the collection point, a message will be sent to surrounding riders through the mobile application to transport the sputum so the nearest rider can collect and deliver the sputum box. A rider will cover the distance of 30 to 50 km from all collection points to the delivery points. The rider will receive an incentive per KM for sputum transportation services. This incentive will be paid monthly to riders upon the completion of documentation for verification of services and approvals developed by Mercy Corps and its partners.
Sputum carriers with ice packs will be used for sputum transportation to ensure that sputum quality is not compromised.