Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for being here with us today. I am pleased to take part in the ceremony of completion of the USAID TB CARE I project implemented by KNCV in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The U.S. Government supports the provision of technical assistance to Kyrgyzstan in tuberculosis control. Our common aim is to stabilize the epidemiological situation and reduce the tuberculosis mortality rate.

The USAID TB CARE I project has been one of the key parts of our assistance in improving the tuberculosis service in Kyrgyzstan.

This project has covered a wide range of aspects of provision of tuberculosis assistance in the Kyrgyz Republic including universal access, laboratory, infection control, programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis, strengthening of healthcare system, monitoring and evaluation and operational investigations.

As a result of this project implementation, significant successes have been achieved such as the implementation of the ambulatory model of tuberculosis treatment in urban areas, joint orders on interaction between the tuberculosis service of civil and penal sectors have been issued. Such regulations as the National Tuberculosis IV Program for 2014-2016, National Plan of development of laboratory service with the strategy of introduction of Xpert molecular and genetic methods of investigation, National plan of monitoring and evaluation have been prepared and approved. The project has provided technical assistance in development and practical application of clinical guidelines and protocols for drug-resistant tuberculosis management, tuberculosis management in children, and tuberculosis infection control.

We know that this ceremony of completion of one of the most successful projects does not mean the end of American support for tuberculosis control. Guidelines for investigations and best practices developed in terms of the project will be applied in decision-making processes at various levels.

Both foreign and local project officers have performed well in terms of the project. I would like to thank the local officers of KNCV. I am sure that all efforts and achievements of this organization will be successfully made and implemented with support of local and international partners.

I would like to thank the Kyrgyz partners of the Project, representatives of the Ministry of Health, National Tuberculosis Control Program, anti-tuberculosis organizations, Family Medicine Centers, Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, Infection Control Center, medical service of the penal sector, task forces, representatives of medical training centers, local NGOs, as well as researchers, and wish them success in future. Thank you.