Strengthening Tuberculosis (TB) Control in Ukraine (STbCU) Quarterly Report July 1, 2012-September 30, 2012

The project's primary objectives include improving the quality and expanding availability of WHO-recommended DOTS-based TB services, creating a safer medical environment, building capacity to implement PMDT programs for multi-drug resistant/extensively drug resistant TB, and improving access to TB/HIV co-infection services. During the second quarter of implementation, the STbCU project focused on baseline regional needs assessment. A team of 3-4 STbCU staff members visited 10 USAID-supported regions to identify regional TB control programs' needs, perform initial gap analysis in TB and TB-HIV control, and define partners' activities in TB control at the regional level. The project also identified and communicated with partners whose activities are related to TB control to synergize work and avoid duplication. The STbCU project collaborated with other donor-funded programs and local organizations working in the tuberculosis control field. This collaboration included participating in a working group on TB treatment, contributing to a roundtable discussion on case detection and treatment, and COP participation in the National Council on TB and HIV meeting. Baseline assessments were conducted through regional travel by the project's technical staff, collecting baseline data and information, identifying potential local partners and grantees, and signing MoUs with local governments. The STbCU project also finalized recruitment of main office staff, completing both the technical and administrative teams. The team held a team building activity to discuss roles and responsibilities and ensure team consistency. Additionally, the project received Grants Under Contract authority through a contract modification, allowing the project to establish the grants plan. The STbCU project continued to work on advocacy of internationally recommended approaches in PMTD, laboratory strengthening, and TB infection control implementation at different working groups under the Ministry of Health. Country discussions on DRS preparation started, and a considerable part of work was devoted to development of training programs and curriculums on TB for primary health care workers and laboratory specialists. The project also focused on establishing formal relations with regional medical facilities by signing MoUs. The STbCU team is still looking to fill additional support roles within the project team but has filled all major personnel needs during the second quarter of implementation. The project's technical staff conducted baseline assessments through regional travel, collecting baseline data and information, identifying potential local partners and grantees, and signing MoUs with local governments. The STbCU project's progress during the second quarter of implementation demonstrates its commitment to improving TB services in Ukraine. The project's focus on baseline regional needs assessment, collaboration with other donor-funded programs and local organizations, and development of training programs and curriculums on TB for primary health care workers and laboratory specialists are key steps towards achieving its primary objectives.