DUSHANBE, September 14, 2011, Asia-Plus — Dr. Massimo Barra, Chairman of Red Cross/Red Crescent Standing Commission and Fabio Patruno, Chairman of European Regional Network on HIV/TB concluded their visit to Tajikistan at a press-conference on September 14, 2011.
According to the IFRC Country Representation in Tajikistan, a one-week visit of Dr. Barra and Mr. Patruno to Tajikistan was organized by the IFRC Country Representation jointly with the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan. The main aim of Dr. Barra and Mr. Patruno’s visit was to overview IFRC/RCST activities in Tajikistan with a special focus on health sector; to analyze country situation on HIV and drug use; to establish the collaboration between stakeholders in the field of HIV country program and Villa Maraini rehabilitation center; to introduce the partnership between Villa Maraini and Ministry of Health of Tajikistan and to consider the establishment of socio-psychological rehabilitation center for drug users and people living with HIV in Gorno Badakhshan. During their visit, the guests were introduced to the activity of the RCST Trust Points for Injecting Drug Users (IDU) in Kulob, Khorog and Shughnon, and Badakhshan narcological dispensary and also met with the officials at the local and central levels.
The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan with the support of the IFRC implements a number of health programs and HIV/AIDS/Harm Reduction is an important part of these programs. The RCST’s HIV/AIDS prevention program gives more emphasis on harm reduction and six trust points are functioning in six districts of Gorno Badakhshan, Sughd and Khatlon provinces. The harm reduction project is carried out with the support from the Global Fund, UNDP, which provides medical supply for the trust points. The full-fledged trust points function successfully and make a significant contribution to the national program to combat HIV/AIDS in Tajikistan.
The trust points conduct consultations among its targeted group – injecting drug users, provide socio-psychological assistance, exchange the syringes, disseminate the related medical information, distribute condoms, render first aid, etc. All trust points have been renovated and the staff of each trust point is well-trained. But since April 2011, due to cut-off the financial income, the project has been maintained only by distribution of medical materials and currently the personnel of the project continue their activity based only on the volunteering.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 186 member National Societies. Together, the IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions.
IFRC has been present in Tajikistan since 1994 to assist RCST in strengthening its skills and capacity to address the needs of the most vulnerable population. This has been done through the joint implementation of disaster management, health and care, organizational development, and migration programs. The country representation provides technical and advisory support for the National Society in planning, implementation and monitoring of the programs, as well as general supervision.
