BACKGROUND:
Engaging all healthcare providers through the Public-Private Mix (PPM) model is critical to addressing the gap in Tuberculosis (TB) case detection and notification. In Kaduna State, a significant proportion (66–92%) of individuals with respiratory symptoms first seek care from private providers, who historically have been underutilized in national TB programs. This study assessed the contribution of PPM interventions to TB case notification in Kaduna State.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional review of routine program data from the state TB database was conducted. Between 2023 and 2024, 253 private health facilities including private-for-profit clinics, faith-based organizations, community pharmacists, and private medicine vendors were engaged under the PPM initiative. Interventions included: training private providers, integrating a standalone GeneXpert laboratory, implementing a mobile app for screening and reporting, applying a hub-and-spoke model for referrals, and offering performance-based incentives. Engagement strategies were customized by provider type.

RESULTS:
From January to December 2024, private facilities diagnosed 12,205 TB cases, contributing 45% of the total 27,015 TB cases reported in Kaduna State. This marked a substantial improvement compared to 2020, when 1,620 TB cases were notified by private providers out of 5,788 total cases, accounting for just 28%. The data highlights the critical role of private sector engagement in expanding TB services and improving detection rates.

CONCLUSIONS:
The PPM intervention significantly enhanced TB case notification in Kaduna State. Engaging diverse private sector stakeholders through targeted, flexible strategies and support systems can bridge TB case detection gaps and should be scaled up statewide.