The Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Program have signed a new tuberculosis project "Withdrawal of the National Tuberculosis Control Program of Turkmenistan from the financing of the Global Fund."

The project will be implemented from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. Budget - more than 6.2 million. US dollars. This initiative is funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria marks an important step towards ensuring the sustainability and self-sufficiency of the National TB Programme through a full transition to domestic funding by 2027.

Due to political commitment to improving public health and a reliable management structure for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, Turkmenistan has made significant progress in combating this disease. Since 2010, the Global Fund has invested more than $37 million in NTI. And since 2016, the government of Turkmenistan has gradually transferred funding to the core activities of the FCS for tuberculosis control.

The new project aims to expand access to diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert and mobile installations in remote areas, pilot digital solutions, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and provide patient support services through supervised therapy.

Key components of the project include the expansion of shorter and more effective treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis to improve cure rates and cost-effectiveness of treatment.

The grant will be implemented jointly with WHO and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan.

This project highlights Turkmenistan’s commitment to public health and sustainability. The transition of the National TB Programme to full domestic funding is a testament to the country’s leadership and commitment to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in Turkmenistan by ensuring universal access to timely and quality diagnosis and Treatment of all forms of tuberculosis», - Notes the UNDP Permanent Representative in Turkmenistan, Narina Saakyan.