UNDP begins implementation of a new Global Fund grant for 2021-2023.

UNDP has been implementing Global Fund grants since 2011 to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3. The new grant for 2021-2023 is $27,452,200.

The UNDP project "Effective control of HIV and TB in the Kyrgyz Republic", funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), aims to reduce the burden of HIV and tuberculosis in the Kyrgyz Republic by providing timely and high-quality prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The project is working to strengthen the health system in the country, and recently also adapted its activities to help combat the new Covid-19 pandemic as part of an additional grant.

To combat HIV, the project purchases high-quality medicines for people living with HIV. UNDP works with 17 NGOs and 2 State medical organizations to prevent HIV among key population groups. Activities include providing advice and support, free and regular rapid HIV testing among communities, preventive materials, methadone therapy and shelters for the most vulnerable; conducting behavioral change activities; promoting advocacy, protecting rights and reducing stigma and discrimination. UNDP also supports the improvement of diagnostic and laboratory services throughout the country.

To combat tuberculosis, the project purchases high-quality medicines for the treatment of multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) and ensures their timely ordering and delivery, safe storage and distribution. The project also funds the work of case managers to support patients receiving treatment for M/XDR-TB and reduce the number of patients interrupting treatment, provides motivational payments to TB-committed patients and promotes alternative methods of treatment control, such as treatment with video surveillance. The project encourages early detection of tuberculosis, including in children, by supporting activities such as computed tomography (CT) and contact tracing. In addition, the Project supports laboratories throughout the country and the transportation of sputum biosimilars and anti-tuberculosis drugs for the timely detection of tuberculosis and monitoring of treatment to ensure the best treatment results. The program also supports advocacy activities in the field of tuberculosis, changes in legislation, reduction of stigma and protection of patients' rights, and provides temporary housing for patients in need.

All these activities have been adapted within the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize its impact on the state and civil response to HIV and tuberculosis and to continue to protect patients, as well as health workers involved in the fight against HIV, TB and COVID19.