The day of the new hopes and improved life conditions was celebrated by the people of Elgeldi village of Nukus district on December 14, 2010, where installation of water pipelines has been conducted within the framework of the "Empowering Communities through Local Volunteerism to address Poverty and Tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan" UNDP Project, which is a part of UNDP Area Based Development Programme.

The Elgeldi aul is located 10 km away from the center of Nukus district. Now thanks to the project support 65 families with the population of 181 people, out of which 86 men and 95 women have access to clean drinking water. Consequently, this effects for the improvement of the sanitary and hygienic conditions in the community and contributes for growth of healthy new generation. The project contribution for this community project is 9 314 968 UZB soum, whereas the community share is 3 761 722 UZB soum.

The year of 2010, announced in Uzbekistan as the “Year of Harmonically Developed Generation” was a very important for the UNDP/UNV TB Project, being now at the peak of its realization and placing special attention to the creation of conditions for the healthy and developed youth, especially in such vulnerable region, as the Republic of Karakalpakstan.  

As part of the project framework, the Community-based TB Care System, mainly composed of three major groups of local stakeholders in addressing the social problem of TB, was initiated. These groups, consisting of the Initiative Groups (local leaders), health care workers, and the community, represented by the Community Volunteer Trainers (CVTs) and Community Volunteers (CVs), work together in full coordination and cooperation. To date, 1,964 Community Volunteers were trained by 29 Community Volunteer Trainers in Nukus, Karauzyak, Kegeily, Shomanay and Moynak districts, thus, covering all five project districts.

In its second year now, the project has facilitated the recruitment and selection of 400 CVs in each of the five districts and all CVs underwent the training on TB Awareness Raising in their respective Auls, as well as improved their understanding of the value of volunteering towards a healthier community. Alongside the training, facilitators’ and training manuals, TB flip albums, posters and TB information leaflets distributed by the project serves as a guide to CVTs and CVs in their health education volunteer work.

Moreover, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the DOTS Regional Office the professional development programmes are conducted to increase capacity of the healthcare workers, especially DOTS nurses, in meeting special needs of the TB patients. This was supported with the release of the second set of necessary medical equipment, as recommended by the MOH, such as germicidal lamps, weighing scales, mechanical, tonometers with phonendoscope, thermometers, disposable masks and gloves were delivered by the project to the Medical Service Centers, TB Dispensaries and district medical clinics.

Participatory approach is an essential part of the project implementation. In addressing economic needs of the TB patients and their families, the Initiative Groups of each district composed of the Khakimyat representatives, heads of village communities, Mahalla Foundation, Women’s Committee, Medical clinic heads, TB Dispensary heads, and CVTs were engaged in identifying income generating projects that would ensure sustainable small scale household-based solutions to the financial needs of the TB patients and their family.

 “My viewpoint on TB has been completely changed since I have been involved in the trainings on TB organized by the project. My knowledge on the issue has been augmented and I am able to prevent my family and community nearby from this disease. I am sure that these trainings help not only me but also the whole community to get real info on TB which is a great contribution in addressing TB”, - shares Kirmizi Nurjanova, Community Volunteer from Muynaq.

As the project gears itself in embarking on its final year, the CVs are strengthened and motivated through the refresher training that is currently being implemented. This is a satisfying ending for the second year of the project as more and more local stakeholders see the viability and importance of becoming engaged in the fight against the spread of TB in their communities.