Zimbabwe’s health workforce has seen high levels of staff attrition, particularly in specialized health care services. This, in conjunction with a significant burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and TB/HIV co-infection, is undermining the provision of essential TB care services. In response, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP), is implementing a series of grants by Africa University (AU) to adopt and expand the Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) model. AU began implementing the grants, funded by USAID through the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA), in July 2020. This TIFA Accelerator Series story highlights the implementation of the ECHO model, aimed at fortifying the capacity of health professionals across Zimbabwe, especially in rural and underserved areas. By integrating tele-mentoring and a virtual learning platform, the TB ECHO initiative has been instrumental in bridging the gap between rural healthcare providers and specialists, thereby enhancing access to quality TB care and fostering a collaborative professional network.
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