UNDP supports a round table meeting on TB control among military servants

DUSHANBE, December 16, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- A roundtable entitled "Strengthening Coordination of TB Control in the Military and Law Enforcement Ministries” took place in Dushanbe on December 14, according to the UNDP CO Tajikistan.

The event was initiated by the Ministry of Health with support of the UNDP HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria Control Program.

The meeting was devoted to presentation of signing of the important document: “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between military and law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Health on TB control among military and law enforcement agencies.”  The document reflects mutual understanding between structures and obliges the parties to implement the set objectives related to TB activities among military personnel and other employees of military units.  The MoU reflects all obligations of parties in detail focused on TB prevention and control as by military forces same by the Ministry of Health.

The meeting was reportedly held in an open and friendly atmosphere, where participants had an opportunity to share experiences, provide information on TB control services and openly discuss existing gaps and challenges.  In the course of lively discussions a number of recommendations have been made to improve TB control in the military ministries and suggestions to improve integration and cooperation with other involved agencies.  At the end of the meeting the parties endorsed a resolution that will be finalized and accepted for implementation in the nearest future.

Mr. S. Rahmonov, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, M. Beknazarov, Secretary of the National Coordination Committee (NCC), leading specialists of the Republican TB Control Center and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center participated at the roundtable meeting as well as representatives of health departments and services of Military Forces and Structures (Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Security Committee, General Directorate Border, National Guard of RT) and partner organizations such as UNDP, Project HOPE, AIDS Foundation East-West and CARITAS Luxembourg.