In 2021, for the first time, Médecins Sans Frontières was granted access to the Tajik prison system to offer TB screening and treatment to inmates. We started to provide treatment in the central prison hospital in Vahdat district, which included the implementation of directly observed therapy, a practice whereby a trained health worker at the prison hospital watches the patient take their medication, as well as adherence counselling to help them comply with treatment. To minimise treatment disruptions, we ensured continuation of TB treatment for people after release from prison. 

Our teams continued to offer TB care to children and their families using family directly observed therapy (F-DOT) as part of a holistic patient-centred care approach. The F-DOT programme allows a selected supporter (usually a family member) to administer TB treatment at home so that the patient does not have to travel to a health centre every day.  

In 2021, we started implementing our ‘Zero TB’ project in Kulob district, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of eliminating TB by decreasing the incidence in the district to less than one case per 1,000,000 people through four key elements: detection, treatment, prevention and education. Zero TB focuses on TB prevention and care in households, workplaces and health facilities where people seek care. This unique approach engages various stakeholders, including the local community.

From May, we conducted various assessments to help identify existing gaps and define implementation strategies. In May, we also supported the emergency response to floods in Kulob by donating hygiene kits to affected households.

In October and November, we sent mobile clinics to provide basic healthcare and psychosocial support to Afghan refugees living in Romit, Vahdat district, following political upheaval over the border in Afghanistan.