Primary Health Clinics Receive Medical Equipment to Improve TB care in the Kyrgyz Republic

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the USAID Cure Tuberculosis project, donated medical equipment to primary health care facilities in Bishkek and Osh Oblasts to improve the quality of tuberculosis (TB) care. Cure Tuberculosis procured 1.2 million soms ($14,000) worth of equipment for family medicine centers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 and the Student Polyclinic of Bishkek. This included negatoscopes for viewing X-rays and equipment and supplies to monitor TB treatment and quickly detect adverse events. Cold bags and containers will help ensure rapid and safe delivery of biomaterials to labs so people can receive their diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

“This equipment will help primary health care workers meet standards of treatment and transport biomaterials. Our goal is to make TB treatment more effective,” said Aibek Ibraimov, head of the Bishkek City Health Department.

This assistance is a part of ongoing reforms to improve the quality of outpatient care for people with TB. In October 2022, USAID donated medical equipment worth 360,000 soms to primary health clinics 1, 2, and 9 and the Railway Hospital in Bishkek. Equipment for the primary health care facilities in Osh will be delivered by the end of April.

“USAID and the Kyrgyz Republic are long-time partners in the fight against TB. Together we have reduced mortality from TB and significantly improved the quality of diagnosis and treatment. Yet a lot remains to be done, and we will continue our cooperation,” said Nisha Gupta, USAID’s Health and Education Office director in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The USAID Cure Tuberculosis project assists the Kyrgyz government to diagnose, treat, and cure people with drug-resistant TB. It strengthens systems, tools, resources, and human capacity to improve the country’s response to TB in line with international recommendations.

Adapted from a post by USAID on April 12, 2023.