Uzbekistan

In Karakalpakstan, western Uzbekistan, we focus on the implementation of a comprehensive care program for drug-resistant and drug-sensitive tuberculosis (TB).

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

In March 2021, we completed enrolment of patients in the Uzbekistan branch of the TB PRACTECAL clinical trial nine months ahead of schedule, since it had already successfully demonstrated that its all-oral six-month treatment regimen is safer and more effective at treating rifampicin-resistant TB than the current international standard of care. In view of this early success, the trial teams in Nukus and Tashkent started preparations to support the roll-out of the all-oral six-month regimens across the country under the conditions of operational research. In addition, we continued to support the national TB program in Nukus with technical expertise, laboratory diagnostics, and medication for patients with drug-resistant TB in Karakalpakstan.

In Tashkent, we scaled up HIV testing and treatment through the ‘one-stop shop’ model of care, which enables HIV patients to receive screening for various infectious diseases in one location.

In the fall, we conducted a multi-regional training program for physicians to increase their capacity to deliver care through this model and launched a mobile laboratory to improve access to testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections for marginalized groups. We also supported clinical management and drug supply in Tashkent’s Hospital No 5 for HIV patients, including those with co-infections.