KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation is taking over implementation of the TIME modelling framework from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
TIME is a comprehensive and flexible modelling framework that can be customized to any local TB epidemiological situation. Increasingly, mathematical modelling is becoming integrated in the policy cycle and wider technical support process. This development calls for a different approach where wider expertise with technical assistance and the wider policy cycle balance with academic modelling expertise. In addition, funding for model development has not kept up with demand, which has meant that sustaining a “standalone” team at LSHTM is not feasible.
To address these trends and ensure continuity for countries using the TIME software, the LSHTM TIME team, KNCV and Avenir health have developed a new partnership, where ongoing and new modelling applications will be supported by either KNCV or Avenir. Through this collaboration, countries will benefit from the deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by TB programs, as well as continued modelling expertise. The LSHTM will remain involved in TIME model development but is no longer leading.
Implementation of TIME fits in well with KNCVs activities as the lead technical partner of The People-Centered Framework for TB programming: Development of Optimized National Strategic Plans (NSPs). This framework was jointly developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Royal Tropical Institute Netherlands, the World Health Organization, Linksbridge SPC and TB MAC and refined by KNCV to provide countries with the necessary tools and approaches to optimize their NSPs in line with the End TB Strategy, Social Development Goals and country commitments.
Linking modelling to the People-Centered Framework will ensure that the models remain grounded in programmatic realities and needs – while also benefitting from the wide range of in-house technical expertise at KNCV. At the same time, it will be readily available to help explore the potential epidemiological and economic impact of different intervention options at critical decision-making points in strategic development, program planning and management.
The TIME Model package consists of the following modules:
- TIME Estimates: quantify the current TB and overlapping TB/HIV burden in country.
- TIME Impact: quantify and gain further insight into the current epidemiological burden (TIME Estimates and TIME Impact), project how it may change in the future through NTP planned activities (TIME Impact).
- TIME Economics: link NTP activities to their costs and enable prioritization of activities to improve the allocative efficiency of the program.
- One Health TB:Construct detailed TB budget and projections for internal NTP use, for domestic (treasury department) or international (e.g. Global Fund) funders.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have: