A two-day workshop for the mass media covering the issues of TB prevention and control took place on 13-14 March in Dushanbe.

The workshop was organized by the Republican TB Control Center under support of Project HOPE, a partner of the US Agency on International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund.

The workshop emphasized the role of journalists in mobilizing the society to prevent and counter tuberculosis, and to stress the potential threat of this dangerous disease. The organizers presented basic information about the ailment and essential data on the National TB Control and Prevention Program. Dr. S. Saidaliev, Director of the Republican TB Control Center said that the system of testing and registration of patients has improved countrywide; however, during the last two years, the TB mortality rate remains at the level of 6,5 per 100 thousand citizens.

Participants of the workshop also discussed the issues of ethics in publications and reports on TB issues in the media.

“Despite the recent progress, tuberculosis remains a global health problem, — said Tracy Jacobson, the US Ambassador to Tajikistan. — About 9 million new cases are registered annually around the globe, and about 1,5 million people die every year. The US government is committed to continuing its support to the healthcare partners and will keep helping Tajikistan to strengthen its healthcare capacities”.

TB Control Program implemented by Project HOPE is one of the many programs funded by USAID. Since 1993, USAID has spent about $300 million to implement projects in the spheres of economy, health care, education and democratic reforms in Tajikistan.

NANSMIT