BISHKEK (TCA) — On March 24, the U.S. Government commemorated World TB Day by reaffirming its commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) with the Kyrgyz Republic.
Through the USAID Defeat TB project, the U.S. is investing over $12 million over five years in the health and future of the Kyrgyzstani people, the US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan said. Since 2014, this project has trained nearly 3,200 doctors, nurses, and lab workers and supported more than 1,000 patients in completing the long and often difficult TB treatment process. TB test accuracy is now faster and more accurate, thanks to U.S. support. A new laboratory Quality Management System funded by Defeat TB delivers test results that are seven percent more accurate in less than half the time while reducing workplace infections of laboratory staff to zero.
Improvements like this are made possible through the strong partnership and close collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The recently adopted 2017-2026 National Road Map for fighting TB, the Action Plan for Optimization of TB Services, developed through the melding of U.S. funding and expertise with Kyrgyz initiative and vision, will save an estimated 140 million KGS ($2 million) per year. The savings will buy new laboratory equipment and more and stronger drugs for TB patients, while improving patient care.
TB mortality continues to decline, thanks to the committed partnership between the U.S. and the Kyrgyz Government. Yet, despite many advances – lower infection rates, better treatment outcomes, lower mortality, and more efficient hospitals – significant challenges remain.
On the same day in Uzbekistan, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Pamela L. Spratlen toured the Kashkadarya Regional Tuberculosis Dispensary in Karshi, the US Embassy in Tashkent said.
The United States is working jointly with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health to eradicate TB through successful implementation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy.
The World TB Day visit was hosted by the Kashkadarya Regional TB Dispensary Head Physician Tulkun Ashurov. The Kashkadarya Regional TB Dispensary, which serves a population of 3 million, has received technical assistance from the American People under the USAID TB Control Program. Since 2015, this program has been stopping the spread of TB in four regions of Uzbekistan.
In the course of the visit, Ambassador Spratlen met with the dispensary’s doctors, nurses and staff of a TB Patients’ School and Patient Support Group organized by USAID to foster critical patient-centered support and provide encouragement to patients to stay in and complete TB treatment. She also met with community leaders trained by USAID to provide support to patients and families affected by TB.
Ambassador Spratlen also met with journalists trained by USAID who described improvements in media engagement for promotion of TB awareness, coverage of TB-related topics, and reduction of stigma and discrimination of those with TB.
