Embassy News

Project HOPE, USAID start DOTS implementation in Balkan region

PAS No 202
November 21, 2007

Balkanabat, November 21, 2007 – On November 16, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Project HOPE launched the implementation of the tuberculosis (TB) treatment strategy DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course Strategy) in three new towns and five new districts in Balkan region. This assistance supports the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MOHMIT) in the implementation of the National TB Program, which envisions nationwide DOTS implementation by 2009.

In late October of this year, Project HOPE and USAID handed over 10 binocular microscopes, consumables and reagents for tuberculosis detection and treatment control to the National Tuberculosis Program to assist the MOHMIT to fight tuberculosis in the country.  TB drugs have been supplied for this region by the Global Drug Facility (GDF) and will be provided to patients free of charge.  USAID and Project HOPE’s project will cover the entire Balkan Region with DOTS, providing the population of the region access to high quality services in the prevention and treatment of TB.

Through Project HOPE and other partners, USAID is supporting the implementation of the National TB Program in Turkmenistan, in the cities of Ashgabat, Mary, and the Balkan Region.  Tuberculosis control is one of the many areas of cooperation supported by the American people through USAID.