Tackling TB
and STDs
International staff: 16
National staff: 97
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MSF programs target mental health issues, sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) and tuberculosis (TB) in Armenia and
the autonomous territory of Nagorno-Karabakh in
Azerbaijan. Sovereignty of the enclave remains contested,
though a cease-fire has held since 1994.
In Stepanakert, MSF works with health authorities to
combat TB using the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment
Short-course) strategy, as well as training staff and providing
public information. Some 533 patients have been
included in the program since 1997, 52 of them needing
adapted therapy for drug resistant TB. With an 80% cure
rate for patients finishing DOTS and only 11% defaulting,
the program is evolving positively and MSF will hand it over
to the health authorities at the end of 2002.
In Yerevan, MSF has run a combined medical, psychological
and social care program since 1997 for young people
placed in the Vardashan Institute. The team also provides
outreach to high-risk children and their families in
the city.
In late 2001, MSF began outpatient support for people
with mental disorders in Sevan, and opened a day center
there in June 2002 for therapeutic and community integration
activities.
In Tavush province, MSF runs an STD/HIV program targeting
sex workers and the general community in
Bagratashen. In May 2002, MSF opened a counseling and
information center with a women's group in Berd, as part
of a joint project on family planning and STD/HIV prevention.
MSF has worked in Armenia since 1988 and in Nagorno-
Karabakh since 1989.
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