Uzbekistan, USA strengthen cooperation against some types of tuberculosis

Uzbekistan and the United States are strengthening cooperation in the field of tuberculosis in Central Asia. The US Embassy in Uzbekistan said.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Day Against Tuberculosis. This Memorandum extends cooperation between the United States and Uzbekistan in order to stop the spread of tuberculosis in Uzbekistan, especially its stabilized and drug-resistant (KSDT and DO'T) forms.

Additionally, the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National TB Program have announced major achievements in the field of tuberculosis in Uzbekistan. Last year, USAID Assistant Representative Alan Meltzer said nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals trained and 40 laboratories had the capacity to respond to international tuberculosis testing and a new type of antibiotic was administered. This, in turn, provides for effective treatment of patients with the most common TB mortality in Uzbekistan.

In addition to celebrating World TB Day, USAID co-organizes an exhibition for the media. The exhibition featured works of art, photographs and brochures, all aimed at increasing public awareness on TB, the burden of the disease and the daily struggle of people affected by tuberculosis.

Over the course of more than 20 years, the United States has been cooperating with Uzbekistan to put an end to the spread of this dangerous illness, providing effective and accessible ways to prevent, detect and treat tuberculosis for all. Since 1993, $120 million has been invested through the USAID to assist the healthcare sector in Uzbekistan.