Quarterly Monitoring Report: Challenge TB - Kyrgyz Republic Year 2 January-March 2016

The project has developed an operational research protocol for the introduction of new TB drugs and shortened regimens for MDR-TB treatment, which has been submitted to the Ethics Committee for approval. The protocol aims to improve early diagnosis of M/XDR-TB and develop SOPs for patient selection and management. The project has also made progress in developing a system for linking laboratory, clinicians, and SES in pilot sites, as well as a database for patient registration and monitoring in CTB pilot sites. However, the development of an interim database for pilot sites and laboratory has been partially met, with a revised timeline expected for completion in July 2016. In addition, the project has conducted trainings for key specialists in pilot sites, patient selection, enrolment, and monitoring, and has provided technical assistance to the NTP in calculating the quantity of Second Line Drugs using the QuanTB tool. The project has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the TB Coalition, a local NGO, to ensure compliance with treatment and prevent treatment interruption. The project has also made progress in its support to Global Fund implementation, with two current grants totaling $31.6 million. The project has also made significant progress in its in-country Global Fund status, with a new permanent manager expected to be introduced in June 2016. The project has also made progress in its quarterly indicator reporting, with a total of 7 milestones planned for the second quarter. The project has met 14% of its milestones, partially met 29% of its milestones, and not met 14% of its milestones. The project has also identified savings and included it in the MOT for additional resources and time, expected to be finalized in July 2016. The project has also made progress in its coordination with partners, with a partners meeting conducted in October-December 2015 and another expected in June 2016. The project has also made progress in its trainings for key specialists in pilot sites, patient selection, enrolment, and monitoring, and has provided technical assistance to the NTP in calculating the quantity of Second Line Drugs using the QuanTB tool. The project has also made progress in its technical/administrative challenges, with a new agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States expected to be signed in April 2016. The project has also made progress in its VAT payment, with a VAT payment of $1.5 million expected to be made in April 2016. The project has also made progress in its success stories, with a success story on the development of the Operational Research Protocol for the introduction of new TB drugs and shortened regimens for MDR-TB treatment. The project has also made progress in its quarterly reporting on key mandatory indicators, with a total of 7 milestones planned for the second quarter.