Since 2012, MSF has been working to introduce a decentralised model of care for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Kara-Suu district, Osh province, thereby reducing hospital visits and admissions for patients. Between January and November 2019, an average of 80 per cent of patients received outpatient care.

MSF has helped introduce new and innovative DR-TB diagnosis and care, including video-observed treatment to support adherence. We also promoted new, less toxic, shorter drug regimens, and improved case detection.

Throughout the seven years of the project, our teams supported more than 11,000 people to undergo TB testing with GeneXpert, and around 705 of those confirmed to have the disease started treatment for DR-TB. Social and psychological assistance formed part of their comprehensive care package.

In Aidarken, Batken province, we continued to address the high incidence of non-communicable diseases in a context of possible environmental pollution.

In August, we assisted with an environmental risk assessment in Kadamjay district. This assessment will inform future health interventions aiming to mitigate exposure to heavy metal pollutants.

In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams also provided care for women and children, including the piloting of a cervical cancer screening and pre-lesion treatment programme. MSF and the Ministry of Health conducted a total of 4,794 outpatient consultations in Aidarken in 2019.