In a press release issued on February 13, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the successful completion of its Eliminating TB in Central Asia Activity (ETICA) in Tajikistan. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Tajikistan Ministry of Health, the National TB Program, healthcare professionals, international donors, and the community, has yielded remarkable achievements in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) over the course of four years, ASIA-Plus reported.
Moreover, the ETICA activity facilitated the endorsement of evidence-based guidelines and policy protocols for the TB laboratory sector, as well as primary health and TB care. This strategic initiative aimed to improve service delivery and ensure the provision of high-quality care to TB patients across Tajikistan.
A significant highlight of USAID's support was the accreditation of the National Reference Laboratory for its excellence in performing modern TB testing. Additionally, the introduction of new shortened treatment regimens optimized TB treatment protocols, while capacity-building efforts strengthened the health workforce to deliver people-centered, high-quality services.
Peter Riley, USAID Mission Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the achievements of the ETICA activity, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. Riley highlighted the pivotal role played by the Tajikistan government, partners, and stakeholders in the success of the initiative, underscoring their unwavering support and dedication to combating TB.
ETICA in Uzbekistan
USAID, in partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health and various stakeholders, commemorated the culmination of its four-year Eliminating Tuberculosis in Central Asia (ETICA) activity in Uzbekistan in. 2023. The capstone event served as a platform to showcase the innovative approaches, impactful interventions, and groundbreaking research that have contributed to the reduction of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country.
Moreover, USAID ETICA played a crucial role in enhancing access to rapid TB testing by procuring and providing medical equipment to serve 9 mn people across 50 districts in Uzbekistan. This initiative not only facilitated prompt diagnosis but also expedited treatment initiation, ultimately contributing to a healthier population and a reduced burden of tuberculosis.
Edward Michalski, USAID Uzbekistan Deputy Mission Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the achievements of the ETICA activity, highlighting,
“Twenty years ago, it took several weeks to find out if someone was infected with TB. Now, thanks to USAID’s ETICA activity and other international efforts, results can be determined in hours allowing for faster treatment, reducing the spread of the disease and leading to a healthier population.”
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