| Meeting the National MDG 6 |
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| Wednesday, 24 December 2008 09:51 |
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Tuberculosis is a social disease
transcending conventional medical approaches.
Combating the mounting
threat posed by tuberculosis, as advocated in the 6th
Millennium Development Goal, requires not only renewed effort and
increased resources, but also a better understanding of its impact on
human and economic development. The Enhancement of Living Standards
in Karakalpakstan, a project financed by the European Union and
implemented by UNDP in the north west of Uzbekistan, is contributing to
help the country achieve the goal by bringing together communities,
non-governmental organizations and healthcare establishments. In April 2006, it conducted a
qualitative research in communities on how they perceived the problem
of TB and its impact on human and social development. The study was
undertaken at the request of 12 communities assisted by the project to
rehabilitate their rural health infrastructures once they had
identified TB as the main problem hampering their socioeconomic
development. The ELS supported «Community
contribution to TB care» initiative facilitated 8 focus group
discussions and 13 in-depth interviews. Focus group participants and
interviewees were ordinary community members, ex-TB patients and health
care personnel working in a primary health care facility. The findings of the study revealed
that, while equipment and facilities are indeed important in the fight
against TB, greater understanding of the diseases and the direct
observable short treatment strategy also known as DOTS (an effective
way to treat and cure TB) would go a long way toward addressing the
immediate problems posed by TB in many communities. Communities, the
study argued, also need more help to overcome the stigma associated
with TB. Together with a local NGO «UARH»
(Uzbek Association on Reproductive Health), the ELS trained 60
community TB mobilizers/supporters of TB treatment (5 person in each
community). The illustrated materials produced by the ELS project speak
a simple and unambiguous language easy to understand by everyone. The
trainers will use this material and acquired knowledge to work with
volunteer healthcare workers, school teachers, farmers and ex TB
patients, ordinary men and women who are committed to fight the disease
and improve their community living standards. To show appreciation for
their work and dedication, the ELS Community Contribution to TB Care initiative donated some basic equipment to rural health posts such as bicycles and electronic weight scales. The recommendations and findings of
the research will be used as reference materials on TB management and
community contributions to TB care. Currently, the ELS is monitoring TB
mobilizers’ activities in the 12 target communities. The positive
experience of these communities in TB prevention and care can be
replicated in other communites in Karakalpakstan and in Uzbekistan as a
whole. The ELS approach and activities
have been highlighted in the National Human Development Report for 2006
– Health for All: A Key Goal for Uzbekistan in the New Millenium. For more on the National Human Development Report for 2006, please see http://www.undp.uz/publications/?type=8 For more on UARH, please see www.uarh.uz |
News and Events Meeting the National MDG 6