Uzbekistan

The incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in Uzbekistan is one of the highest in the world. This is most evident in the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan in the northwest of the country.

MSF’s project in this region, sees high rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and the appropriate tools for diagnosis and treatment are only available from international organisations such as MSF. Throughout 2009, MSF focused on improving infection control and supplying patient care and treatment. Great concern still remains however, regarding the high proportion of people who fail to finish the treatment programme for DR-TB, which requires a long course of medication and has difficult side effects.

MSF’s experiences in Uzbekistan highlight the insufficiency of current diagnostics and treatment methods in treating DR-TB properly. MSF has called on governments and international organisations on several occasions to increase their research and development activities. The National Tuberculosis Programme in Uzbekistan has admitted that it is unable to tackle the DR-TB epidemic alone.

In 2010, MSF will begin to establish comprehensive TB care, providing diagnostics and treatment for all patients in all districts of Karakalpakstan, together with the Ministry of Health.