Rockville, Md. – Central Asia is a hot spot for drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). But the areas’ TB services are outdated, unsustainable and expensive. To stem the spread of the disease, the U.S. Agency for International Development has awarded an Abt Global-led team the $31.6 million, five-year Eliminating TB in Central Asia contract. Under the contract, the team will build capacity for improving the detection and treatment of DR-TB and help improve Central Asian health systems’ management, financing, and information systems. The team also will work with communities to reduce the stigma of TB and provide comprehensive support services. And it will improve service delivery by ensuring that providers are skilled and motivated and that drugs, supplies and services are accessible.
The project will operate in five countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Abt’s partners are PATH, IMLred, RPX, Afif TJ, AFEW KZ, and the National Red Crescent Society.
“Drug resistant tuberculosis is a critical health issue in Central Asia,” says Michele Laird, a principal associate in Abt’s International Development Division. “By working at the health system, provider and community levels, we can help these countries develop sustainable approaches to combat this serious disease.”
Contact:
Stan Crock
stan_crock@abtassoc.com
(301) 347-5402