Shortfalls identified in the management of tuberculosis for Mozambican patients obtaining health care services in Malawi

We report findings of a pilot qualitative study in which we aimed to determine management gaps among TB patients from Mozambique obtaining health care services in Malawi. The study was conducted between April and May 2002 involved twelve health workers and 4 Mozambican patients. Semi-structured questionnaires were used and responses were followed up with in-depth interviews. Several areas of management gaps were identified. These included; language barrier if patients are formally referred with documents in Portuguese; lack of follow-up system in case of patients defaulting; no structured contact-tracing possibilities and no initiation of Isoniazid prophylaxis in the case of children living in households with a sputum smear positive adult case. We conclude that logistical management gaps exist in the management of TB patients from Mozambique obtaining care in Malawian health care facilities.