In Atyrau, Kazakhstan, the incidence rates of tuberculosis among children (0-14 years old) and adolescents (15-17 years old) are significantly higher than the national average: the incidence of tuberculosis in 2017 here is 1.5 times higher than the average around the country.
For this very reason, the project on Implementation of Highly Effective Measures of Prevention and Treatment of Tuberculosis among Children and Adolescents, the purpose of which is to improve the organization of activities on TB prevention among adolescents and children, is ongoing here, in Atyrau. The project is implemented by the international organization Project HOPE – Kazakhstan within the framework of the Social Investment Program of Tengizchevroil LLP, in cooperation with the National Scientific Center of Phthisiopulmonology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“The high incidence of tuberculosis in this region may have several reasons, explained Bakhtiyar Babamuradov, the Project HOPE Representative in Kazakhstan. One of them is a low coverage of new-borns by the BCG vaccination, as parents refuse vaccination for personal reasons and religious beliefs. In addition, low levels of alertness and awareness of kindergarten and school personnel, as well as of the parents, about the symptoms of tuberculosis lead to delayed treatment at the medical facilities. Therefore, the important components of the project include increasing the health and non-health personnel alertness to the symptoms of tuberculosis, as well as raising the public awareness about the necessity of tuberculosis prevention. Media is also actively involved in the work”.
According to the test results, 85 teachers, lecturers and educators of preschool and educational institutions, who had participated in the seminar on Prevention of Tuberculosis among Children and Adolescents have demonstrated a 40% improvement of knowledge level (from 51% up to 92%).
“Alliance for supporting youth affected by the problem of tuberculosis” by Sanat Alemi
Fight against tuberculosis among the youth of Kazakhstan plays an important role in the work of AFEW Kazakhstan, and in particular, the Sanat Alemi public foundation. In the framework of the “TB/HIV Prevention & Care – Building Models for the Future” project in March 2019, the “Alliance for supporting youth affected by the problem of tuberculosis” was presented in the country. The main goal of the alliance is to comprehensively support young people with TB, as well as increase their adherence to treatment, and improve the quality of life.
Consultations and trainings are regularly held for members of the Alliance; sports events and joint trips aimed to unite children who until recently didn’t even know with each other are organized to promote a healthy lifestyle. Such active events contribute to rapprochement and building communication among children and adolescents.
