Russia

Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, TB rates have increased substantially in the Russian Federation. Multi-drug resistant TB has also increased dramatically, particularly in the prison system. In many areas of Russia, TB control methods have not changed since the Soviet era, and may utilize and expensive and/or ineffective practices. Establishing a standard, globally-recognized approach to TB diagnosis and treatment in both the civil and penal health systems and a unified information system for case management would improve TB outcomes in Kemerovo oblast (region). This approach, however, requires a policy shift on the part of TB officials, as well as extensive training and technical support.

In collaboration with regional health authorities and non-governmental organizations, the Gorgas TB Initiative has supported the development of TB control activities in Siberia since 1999, through TB education, training and operations research, and the development of linkages between different health systems, institutions and organizations. Past and current project activities are described below.

Strengthening tuberculosis training and operations research at Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute for Postgraduate Training, Russia (2003-2004)

Creation of a Center of Excellence for TB Control in Kemerovo Region, Russia (2001-2002)

Establishment of a Plan for the Integration of the WHO-Recommended Strategy into the Kemerovo Oblast TB Control Program—A Training Course for Russian TB Officials (2000-2001)

DOTS-Plus Workplan in Tomsk and Kemerovo for the Treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant TB in Prisons, Civil Society and Disadvantaged Populations (1999-2000)

Results

Publications and Presentations

Photographs of Project Activities