The Syrdarya region of Uzbekistan witnessed a flurry of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering community engagement in the fight against TB, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan reported. Organized events included sports competitions, group exercise activities, educational sessions by TB specialists, health workshops, consultations, a community walk, a charity concert, and media engagements. These activities aimed not only to educate but also to instill hope and resilience among the population in combating TB.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health and Abt Global, took a stride in celebrating World TB Day, acknowledging the serious challenge posed by multidrug-resistant TB in Uzbekistan. Despite progress, TB remains a critical health concern in the country, threatening public health and impeding overall development.
USAID’s TB Free Uzbekistan initiative, a strategic partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, is committed to addressing TB with a planned budget of $18mn over five years. This initiative prioritizes enhancing TB treatment and support services, particularly in the face of multidrug-resistant strains, in alignment with USAID’s Global TB Strategy 2023-2030 and contributing to global TB elimination efforts.
David Hoffman, the Mission Director of USAID/Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in tackling TB.
"It’s a global call to action, reminding us that through unity, innovation, and collective effort, we can overcome TB. Together, we can heal the world, one breath at a time," Hoffman remarked.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, commemorates Dr. Robert Koch's discovery of the tuberculosis bacteria in 1882. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against TB and underscores the imperative of heightened awareness, enhanced care, and intensified efforts toward TB elimination. The day provides a platform to share tales of survival, advocate for change, and reaffirm our commitment to ending TB, underscoring the need for unity and innovation in this enduring struggle.
Earlier USAID announced the launch of the Business Support Project, an innovative undertaking aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Uzbekistan. This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative five-year effort dedicated to improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in four strategic sectors: information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, textiles, and the green economy.
The Business Support Project is carefully designed to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Uzbekistan government and the private sector, to streamline investment processes and foster business-to-business relationships. This initiative highlights the steadfast commitment of the U.S. Government to strengthen Uzbekistan's economic progress and encourage regional economic integration.
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