Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria Awarded Russia $34.2 Million
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| Source: USAID |
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr. E. Anne Peterson, announced that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria awarded Russia $34.2 million over two years to help treat and care for people living with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. At a series of meetings in Moscow,
Secretary Thompson announced the grant and urged strong
public leadership from Russian government officials
in the nation's efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He also asked Russian health, legislative, civic and
faith leaders to continue working with the United States,
the Global Fund, and most importantly each other
to effectively treat and prevent HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Peterson accompanied Secretary Thompson on a US
delegation to Russia to further US/Russia partnerships
on HIV/AIDS. The trip is in follow-up to the September
2003 Camp David Summit between President George W.
Bush and President Vladimir Putin. Dr. Peterson visited
early childhood intervention
programs
designed to prevent child abandonment and successful
TB and maternal health programs in the area. In addition,
she announced a recently approved Global Fund
grant to Russia. Also, new USAID financed AIDS treatment,
care,
and support programs (with American partners Yale and
AIHA) will serve as models for the government
of Russia's policy,
as well as scale up for Global Fund and World
Bank financed programs that will be launched in 2005.
USAID-Funded Anti-Tuberculosis Program in Russia
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| Source: USAID |
Contagious and often fatal, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious disease in the world, taking the lives of 2 million people a year. Already a widespread problem in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the disease is now spreading through Eastern Europe after years of decline. In Russia alone, about 130,000 new cases of TB emerge each year, killing some 30,000 people.
The USAID-funded anti-tuberculosis program, led by Red Cross health experts and volunteers is focused on marginalized Russian groups, including the homeless, alcoholics, prisoners and ex-prisoners. Treatment is accomplished through DOTS, or "Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course," combines the most up-to-date anti-TB medication with close monitoring of patients by health officials. During the first two months - the intensive treatment phase - patients undergo nonstop "directly observed therapy" to ensure that the drugs are taken in the right combinations and for the appropriate duration. The next stage of treatment continues regular monitoring through visits with health professionals.
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