DUSHANBE, November 19, 2014, Asia-Plus – U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ms. Susan M. Elliott, has released a statement on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance.
“On November 16 the world community observed the 19th International Day for Tolerance. The International Day for Tolerance recognizes universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. While we are reminded of the security and human rights implications of intolerance (which often takes the form of stigma and discrimination), this day also provides an opportunity to highlight the vital contribution of tolerance and acceptance to achieving important public health objectives and impact, especially those focusing on groups living on the margins of many societies.
“The U.S. government is proud to partner with the people and Government of Tajikistan to implement health system reforms. Our aim is to help achieve an AIDS-free generation and improved tuberculosis control by ensuring quality primary health care services, as well as the improvement and integration of infectious disease control. In recent months, we have worked tirelessly to align our resources and programs with the Tajik government’s priorities and U.S. government’s commitment to delivering the right things, in the right places, at the right time.
“This work also involves careful planning to ensure that we are reaching the right people with urgently needed programs, resources, and funding.
“In Tajikistan, tolerance is key to providing access to care for vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of either acquiring or transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or tuberculosis (TB). Among other groups, this includes people who inject drugs; commercial sex workers; men who have sex with men (MSM); prisoners; and migrants. Programs and policies must recognize that eliminating stigma and discrimination is critical to ensuring that all people feel safe accessing infectious disease prevention, care, and treatment services. Programs that treat people with dignity and respect will have the greatest impact.
“When trying to achieve infectious disease control, we must remember that any intolerance prevents any vulnerable or marginalized groups from accessing essential services. This often leads to considerable loss of life.
“Tolerance requires treating everyone, even those who are different, with dignity and respect. This extends to all people regardless of their health status, occupation, sexual orientation or gender. As President Barack Obama recently declared, “the struggle to end discrimination is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”
“On this International Day for Tolerance, let us affirm that all persons, including vulnerable populations and any group that suffers the negative health effects of discrimination should also be free to access and receive essential health services from providers who treat them with dignity and respect.
“I call on all partners in our shared goal of controlling HIV and TB in Tajikistan to practice tolerance in all aspects of service delivery. The goal of an AIDS-free generation and broader infectious disease control will remain unfulfilled until every Tajik feels that he or she will be treated with tolerance and respect when seeking services to preserve health if already infected, to prevent infection of others, or to escape the grasp of addicting drugs.
“Join me in reaching out in tolerance to everyone in need so that together, we may achieve that long sought goal of effective HIV and TB prevention in Tajikistan.”
