WHO and Central Asian countries launch initiative to end tuberculosis
The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), together with the five Central Asian countries and partners, announced the launch of the "TB-Free Central Asia" initiative. The goal of the project is to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis, including its drug-resistant forms, in all countries of the subregion by 2030.
The ceremony in Astana was attended by health ministers and high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. They signed a joint declaration expressing their readiness to strengthen cooperation with WHO, the Stop TB Partnership, the Global Fund, civil society and other stakeholders.
The initiative, led by WHO/Europe, envisages coordinated actions at the national and subregional levels, the introduction of innovative approaches and strengthening the capacity of health systems, Kazinform reports.
Over the past decade, Central Asian countries have made significant progress in the fight against TB, including introducing new treatment regimens and strengthening surveillance. The new initiative will give further impetus to their efforts and will focus on:
• testing at least 95% of new and relapsed cases using WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests;
• scaling up shorter, injection-free treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB with success rates of 85% or higher;
• preparing for the introduction of new TB vaccines as they become available;
• integrating TB interventions into primary health care, building on the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care in Almaty.
"We are at a turning point in the fight against tuberculosis in Central Asia, when we must consolidate the successes achieved and use truly amazing medical achievements to reach the finish line. This initiative will be an example for the entire European Region and beyond," Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe said.
According to plans, the first tangible results within the framework of the initiative are expected by 2027.
The meeting on tuberculosis was held in Astana as part of the 5th meeting of health ministers of the Organization of Turkic States with the participation of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the National Center for Emergency Medical Care of the Republic of Kazakhstan was designated as the coordination center for emergency medical care in the Turkic-speaking states.
The signed memorandum of cooperation in this area covers not only emergency assistance and mutual assistance in emergency situations and evacuation, but also areas of scientific cooperation, training of specialists, and exchange of experience.
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