“Stop TB in my Lifetime” was the theme for WORLD TB DAY, a cultural and information event held on March 28, 2013 at Jami Concert Hall.

In the opening speeches Mr. Azam Mirzoev, Deputy Minister Health, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, UNDP Country Director, Mr. Pavel Ursu, WHO Country representative, Ms. Susan Elliot, US Ambassador, Ms. Kathleen McDonald, USAID Country Director congratulated TB specialists and everyone who contributed to making the event a success and commended on joint efforts to fight TB in the country. It was also stated the modern medicine is able to cure TB, if a patient timely goes to health facility, and for testing and completes full treatment regimen. The audience consisted mainly of young people who actively participated in quizzes during the event and courageously responded to questions related to TB prevention and treatment. Best TB specialists, TB lab specialists and active health workers of primary health care facilities were honored and awarded certificates of appreciation and goblets. Certificates were also given to the best reporters who contributed to dissemination of information on TB via mass media.

«I had TB.., followed all recommendations and advices from my doctors, completed full treatment course and today, I can surely say – I am cured of TB!» – stated Munira Shaimurodova, an ex TB patient. «TB is not an heritable disease»- she continued, «I had a desire to be cured and doctors helped me overcome TB, I have a family, kids and I am happy!».

Globally, 24 March is celebrated as TB Day under different slogans. The main goal of the World TB Day is to attract the attention of the government and public organizations to the issues around TB disease, attract donors, and strengthen collaboration of stakeholders, agencies and institutions in TB control activities in Tajikistan as well as raising awareness to the wider population on necessity of timely diagnosis when TB symptoms occur during early detection and timely medical advice.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) data, the incidence rate in Tajikistan is currently 70-72 per 100,000 population. Presently all conditions for TB diagnosis and treatment are in place. In total 92 microscopy labs and 4 bacteriology labs have been established and functioning with the support of various partners and donors. All TB patients in the country have universal access to treatment with first line TB drugs free of charge.

TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment activities in Tajikistan are carried out within health reforms and the National TB Control Programme 2010-2015 with the support of the UNDP and other partners. The key donors of TB control in Tajikistan are the Global Fund and the USAID.