Fighting TB in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan, October 19, 2013

By: Mariam Sianozova, Project HOPE Kyrgyzstan

Project HOPE is helping to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in Kyrgyzstan by improving TB case detection, diagnosis and quality of treatment.  We are expanding access to diagnosis and treatment of TB by strengthening infrastructure, upgrading laboratories and providing access to anti-TB medicines.  We are also establishing a routine TB surveillance system throughout Kyrgyzstan and offering support to patients in order to ensure adherence to treatment.

“Project HOPE is a long-term and reliable partner of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan,” said Marat Kaliev, Deputy Minister of Health, in his opening remarks at a recent ceremony marking the handing-over of 21 LED microscopes and 12 sets of computer equipment by Project HOPE to the National TB Program.

The donated equipment will be used to improve and strengthen the laboratory diagnostics and TB recording systems.  As part of the program, Project HOPE will conduct three four-day training sessions on LED microscopy for laboratory specialists from all 11 cultural laboratories in the country.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health Mr. Marat Kaliev, Acting Director General of the National Center of Physiology Dr. Abdullaat Kadyrov, Director of the Branch office of Project HOPE in Kyrgyzstan Mr. Artur Niyazov, representatives from the State Service for the Execution of Punishments and TB services.

In her interview, Head Doctor of the Republican TB Hospital Kara-Balta Dr. Zamira Karasartova said, “We are thankful to Project HOPE which has been implementing several projects in Kyrgyzstan.  Project HOPE is well aware of vital challenges we meet in our fight against TB.  Our TB hospital has received a set of equipment.  What is important is that we didn’t just get the modern equipment; our laboratory staff will be trained how to use it.”