TB CARE I - Tajikistan Annual Report Year 2

The project aims to improve TB control in Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan. In Year 2, TB CARE I expanded its activities to Tajikistan, where it collaborated with the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). TB CARE I's activities in Tajikistan focused on six technical areas: Universal and Early Access, Laboratory, Infection Control, Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT), TB/HIV, and Health System Strengthening (HSS). The project worked closely with NTP/MoH leadership and staff to align its strategy with the current national needs. In the Universal and Early Access area, TB CARE I focused on strengthening coordination between prison and general TB services for TB control in prisons. The project also assessed site capacities and needs for piloting outpatient model of care in pilot districts of Khatlon oblast. In the Laboratory area, TB CARE I supported the development of the draft of National Xpert MTB/RIF implementation strategy and plan of Xpert MTB/RIF implementation in Tajikistan. The project also conducted a three-day workshop with participation of NTP and key partner organizations working in the respective TB control programs. In the Infection Control area, TB CARE I assessed the needs for TB IC activities in TB facilities located in pilot regions and identified procurement needs in TB-IC equipment for measurement. The project also developed a set of recommendations to improve TB IC situation in the TB facilities in pilot regions. In the PMDT area, TB CARE I determined the priority interventions for two pilot districts of Khatlon Oblast and conducted trainings for three priority target groups from these pilots. The project also delivered trainings on MDR TB management for specialists from these two districts. In the TB/HIV area, TB CARE I identified gaps in coordination between two vertical services and provided NTP team with recommendations to improve clinical management of TB-HIV co-infection. In the HSS area, TB CARE I funded participation of NTP specialists in trainings on clinical management of childhood TB and drug-resistant tuberculosis. The project also collaborated closely with State Prison Service, as well as other partners such as GFATM (PIU UNDP and RCC Project HOPE), USAID (Quality healthcare and Dialogue on HIV and TB) projects, Caritas Luxemburg, and AFEW. TB CARE I's activities in Tajikistan have contributed to the improvement of TB control in the country. The project's focus on strengthening coordination between prison and general TB services, improving laboratory capacity, and enhancing infection control measures has helped to increase the quality of TB services delivered among all care providers. The project's work in the PMDT area has also contributed to the expansion of MDR TB program nationwide in Tajikistan. Overall, TB CARE I's activities in Tajikistan have been aligned with the current national needs and have contributed to the improvement of TB control in the country. The project's focus on strengthening coordination, improving laboratory capacity, and enhancing infection control measures has helped to increase the quality of TB services delivered among all care providers. TB CARE I's collaboration with NTP/MoH leadership and staff has been crucial in aligning the project's strategy with the current national needs. The project's work with State Prison Service and other partners has also been important in improving TB control in prisons and enhancing the overall TB control program in Tajikistan. The project's achievements in Year 2 have been significant, and TB CARE I continues to work towards its goals in Year 3 and beyond. The project's focus on strengthening coordination, improving laboratory capacity, and enhancing infection control measures will continue to contribute to the improvement of TB control in Tajikistan. TB CARE I's work in Tajikistan has also contributed to the country's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project's focus on improving TB control has helped to reduce the burden of TB in Tajikistan and has contributed to the improvement of overall health outcomes in the country.