Eight families with TB patients provided with livestock for financial support

On April 28, 2011 UNDP/UNV “Empowering Communities through Local Volunteerism to address Poverty and Tuberculosis” (TB) Project handed over eight cows with calves to eight families with TB patients to help them successfully complete treatment and ensure the families have stable income. The event took place in Muynak, Shomanay, Karauzyak, and Nukus districts.  

Earlier, to support TB patients during their treatment, various activities were implemented by international organizations. Supply of TB patients with food parcels can be given as an example. However, as the experience has shown, such actions could not be durable and sustainable. Nevertheless, the economic side has been remaining as an important aspect in the fight against TB.

Clear understanding of the situation urged the UNDP/UNV TB Project to mobilize Initiative Groups for gathering ideas on improving the financial condition of TB and ex-TB patients’ households. To support the initiative on conducting small-scale home-based business and ensure a stable income, the project team conducted a series of trainings on business planning.

One of the conditions for proposals is the involvement of TB patients or their family members into additional income generation activity for successful completion of their treatment. In result of thorough selection process, Business Plan Selection Committee established by the TB Project approved 19 business plans for further financial support. These business plans deal with livestock breeding, poultry, rabbit breeding, computer, hairdressing and other services, which will get financing in form of grants. It is expected that about 95 community people will be provided with an additional income.

Moreover, more than 60 primary health facilities were supplied with necessary medical equipment by the project to improve the efficiency of medical services for the population. Likewise, the project in collaboration with the UNDP “Area Based Development” Programme renovated TB hospital in Karauzyak District, reconstructed X-ray and surgery departments of Central Hospital in Kegeyli District, and installed water pipeline in Elgeldi Community of Nukus District, which brought benefit to 124,663 community people.

19 business plans selected for further financial support and dealing with livestock breeding, poultry, rabbit breeding, computer, hairdressing, benefit 95 people and help them in treating TB affected family members.