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GeorgiaMSF in Georgia, 2006/2007Field Staff: 351 Reason for Intervention:
Recent update: All articles on Georgia » Simmering separatist conflicts in Abkhazia have created doubts about the feasibility for the Georgian Ministry of Health to manage treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis in this region. In the early 1990s MSF helped victims of the violent secessionist conflict in Abkhazia and was one of few international NGOs to continue working there, having witnessed a major lack of access to healthcare in this de facto independent but unrecognized republic. Abkhazia does not receive international support. MSF’s tuberculosis (TB) program in the Gulripsh hospital near Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, now mainly concentrates on treating drug-resistant TB patients. Drug resistance to the main TB medicines (rifampicin and izoniazid), means a patient needs to take a daily handful of highly toxic medicines. Arduous side effects make it extremely hard to complete a course of treatment, which can last up to 24 months. MSF also provides psychological support for patients, and is trying to find solutions for reducing the hospitalization period and developing outpatient and home care. The project includes eight ambulatory points located in seven districts throughout Abkhazia where patients receive continuation phase treatment. By mid-2007 MSF had diagnosed 195 TB patients with multi drug-resistance, and enrolled 126 patients into treatment. 29 percent of them have successfully completed their drug regimens, 7.9 percent died, 22.2 percent absconded, and 34 percent are still undergoing therapy. MSF runs a similar project in Zugdidi, Samegrelo region in central Georgia. In a separate program in Abkhazia, MSF is working to provide free access to quality healthcare for people excluded from the system, particularly isolated elderly people. MSF doctors, nurses and social workers make house calls to visit these patients, many of whom are confined to home. MSF has worked in Georgia since 1993. |
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