©InfoTB is a major concern in central Asia, with high mortality rates. The situation is further aggravated by the spread of HIV and poverty.
In Kazakhstan, the estimated number of people living with HIV rose from 1,800 in 2001 to 13,000 in 2009 (UNAIDS global report 2010) – an increase fuelled by mounting injecting drug use. Although there has been a decline in TB in recent years, prevalence is estimated at 211 cases per 100,000 of the general population (World Health Organization 2009).
Sholpan Ramazanova, Kazakh Red Crescent programme manager, says: “TB is the biggest killer of people living with HIV. Our programme saves lives by helping people get through long treatments and supporting them in the face of social stigma. The programme is fairly new, but we are already seeing results.”
The Red Crescent is one of just a few organisations in Kazakhstan which specialises in HIV and TB co-infection support and it works closely with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to ensure services are co-ordinated. Sholpan Baimurzina, AIDS centre director from the MoH, explains: “We provide medication to people living with HIV – many are from the most vulnerable sector of the population, with low-income backgrounds. But to reach these people and ensure treatments are followed, we need the social support that the Red Crescent provides. This is exactly what was missing in our programme, so when the Red Crescent came to us to suggest this partnership, we were very enthusiastic.”
Fighting discrimination
©InfoWorking closely alongside the AIDS centre, Red Crescent teams made up of a psychologist, social worker and lawyer provide support for people with HIV and TB. Legal help is essential because those who are HIV positive are often discriminated against, and it is sometimes hard to find employment, or even register for citizenship.
The Red Crescent programme ensures people with HIV and TB receive regular food and hygiene packs. It is difficult to grasp the importance of these basic provisions, but once people with co-infection are able to have food on the table and a basic level of hygiene, then they are able to think about more complex things like taking their medication and finding employment.
Red Crescent psychologist Galina says: “What makes this support so unique is that it is free. I come from a medical background and used to believe that purely medical treatment was the key, but now I know so much more is needed. Human and moral support is almost more important than medical support. Building a personal relationship makes all the difference and helps people learn how to plan their lives again, to understand that they do not need to die.”
See below for stories of people we are helping: