Avaza, 29-31 January 2020: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted a working meeting for the specialists of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST) to discuss the results of activities to support the patients with multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (M / XDR-TB) within the “Exit of National Tuberculosis Program of Turkmenistan from the Global Fund support by 2021” funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

As part of the project, specialists of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan carry out psychosocial support for patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis and their relatives in Ashgabat and in all regions of Turkmenistan. Support activities include visits to patients and their relatives at home, conducting classes at the “School of patient”, and issuing packages to motivate patients to adhere to the treatment regimen.

The workshop was held to discuss the results of the project activities in 2019 and discuss plans and goals for 2020. Participants discussed issues of ensuring the quality implementation of project activities, shared their experience and practical cases.

In addition, a training session was held on new treatment regimens for M / XDR-TB using innovative medicines in accordance with the latest WHO recommendations, monitoring of treatment and the side effects. In connection with the implementation of the Concept on the digital economy in the Turkmenistan, UNDP and NRCST exchanged ideas on the possibilities of digitalizing the work of the NRCST.

It is important to note that the meeting was held in accordance with WHO recommendations for holding healthy and environmentally sustainable meetings, for example, regarding healthy eating and physical activity breaks.