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MSF TB Project |  Amudarya rayon (district), Karakalapakstan
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In Karakalpakstan, western Uzbekistan, we focus on the implementation of a comprehensive care programme for drug-resistant and drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB).

With the comprehensive care programme, we support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in its rollout of protocols reflecting global best practices, as well as introduce healthcare innovations, and promote shorter course TB treatment regimens using new and repurposed drugs. 

We have also implemented the TB PRACTECAL clinical trial. This is the first-ever multi-country, randomised, controlled clinical trial, aiming to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a six-month, all oral treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB. We are now working with the World Health Organization to promote the new regimen as the international standard of care for drug-resistant TB patients.

In the capital, Tashkent, we provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of people living with HIV and co-infections. In 2021, we also launched a mobile laboratory to support the diagnosis of HIV and co-infections among vulnerable people. 

Our teams also support the MoH in its efforts to develop the public healthcare system.

Our activities in 2023 in Uzbekistan

Data and information from the International Activity Report 2023.

MSF in Uzbekistan in 2023 Médecins Sans Frontières has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan for 25 years to develop care for tuberculosis (TB), implementing new treatment methods that have improved patient outcomes.
Uzbekistan IAR map 2023

Since 2013, we have also been working on expanding access to testing and treatment for HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted diseases.

In Tashkent, the capital, and the surrounding region, we initiated outreach activities to engage with people from high-risk groups. As well as assisting with saliva-based self-testing for HIV and hepatitis C, we provide them with information on infection prevention and risk-reduction strategies. 

Our outreach teams also offer support to people requiring laboratory testing and medical care. In collaboration with the Republican AIDS centre, we operate a mobile laboratory in a specially equipped bus, where we carry out rapid testing for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis. In addition, we provide information on treatment options and specialist referrals, addressing the needs of those who might otherwise have difficulty in obtaining diagnosis and care. Meanwhile, at Tashkent AIDS centre, we continue to support the diagnosis and treatment of people living with HIV and co-infections.

In Karakalpakstan, we run a comprehensive care programme for patients with drug-resistant forms of TB. In December 2022, the World Health Organization recommended the programmatic use of a new, six-month, all-oral treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB, which is safer and more effective than other treatment regimens in use. In 2023, we ensured that all eligible patients with multidrug-resistant TB in Karakalpakstan received treatment using the new regimen, and will continue to support its rollout countrywide.

 

in 2023
 
Journal article

Impact of pyrazinamide resistance on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan

1 May 2018
Journal article
 
DR TB Treatment in Uzbekistan
Access to medicines

Pioneering clinical trial for drug-resistant tuberculosis starts

Press Release 19 Jan 2017
 
Uzbekistan

“Please, never give up. You too can beat TB.”

Voices from the Field 6 Aug 2015
 
Journal article

Risk Factors Associated with Default from Multi- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment, Uzbekistan: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

6 Nov 2013
Journal article
 
Uzbekistan

Comprehensive TB care for all: The Karakalpakstan Experience

Report 2 May 2011
 
Tuberculosis

Meet the first MSF patient to have recovered from XDR-TB

Project Update 23 Dec 2010