TB CARE I - CAR Quarterly Report April-June 2012

The program's overall work plan completion was 36% during the reporting period of April-June 2012. Technical and administrative challenges were encountered, but notable progress was made in various areas. In the Universal and Early Access technical area, a consensus was achieved on the development of a midterm plan for the implementation of an integrated framework for TB control in prisons. This plan was developed during a workshop conducted in May 2012, which brought together key stakeholders, including the Prison Service, National TB Program (NTP), and partners. In the Laboratories technical area, a technical working group (TWG) on GeneXpert MTB/Rif implementation was established in April 2012. The TWG consisted of partners implementing GeneXpert, including project TB REACH, MSF, and QHCP. A workshop for the TWG was conducted in May 2012, and a country strategy for GeneXpert MTB/Rif, including diagnostic algorithms and clinical protocols, is being developed. In the Infection Control technical area, consultants on infection control and the timeframe for trainings on IC were agreed upon. The supplier of IC equipment was selected, and specifications of the IC equipment were prepared. However, challenges were encountered in the implementation of IC equipment due to equipment costs. In the Health Systems Strengthening technical area, the Director of TB CARE I CAR conducted a supervision, monitoring, and introduction visit to the KNCV office in Kyrgyzstan in May 2012. The visit included participation in the Coordination Council and meetings with partners. However, APA2 implementation took a late start in the region, including Kyrgyzstan, and notable progress was made in the current quarter, including a major push for the development of a national strategy. The program encountered technical challenges, including the first vacancy announcement for the position of Technical Officer, which was announced on May 4 and selection of candidates was conducted in the middle of May. The selected candidate is awaiting approval from her current manager. In the reported period, most programmatic and managerial duties were assumed by the Country Director. The program achieved notable progress in various areas, including the establishment of a TWG on GeneXpert MTB/Rif implementation, the development of a country strategy for GeneXpert MTB/Rif, and the preparation of specifications for IC equipment. However, challenges were encountered in the implementation of IC equipment due to equipment costs, and the program faced technical challenges, including the first vacancy announcement for the position of Technical Officer. The program's overall work plan completion was 36% during the reporting period of April-June 2012. The program aims to improve TB control and prevention services in Kyrgyzstan and has made notable progress in various areas. However, challenges were encountered, and the program faces technical challenges, including the first vacancy announcement for the position of Technical Officer. The program's midterm integrated plan will be drafted in July 2012. The program aims to strengthen TB control and prevention services in Kyrgyzstan and has made notable progress in various areas. However, challenges were encountered, and the program faces technical challenges, including the first vacancy announcement for the position of Technical Officer.