Volunteers are promising
Mavluda Davronova is a 22-year-old teacher from Tajikistan who is currently volunteering to help people with tuberculosis in her community. This is part of a larger project funded by USAID that aims to combat tuberculosis in Central Asia.
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases in Tajikistan. It also leads to social stigma, especially among poor and migrant populations. Mavluda’s work as a teacher allows her to reach out to these vulnerable groups and provide them with the support they need.
«From a young age, I was inspired by the work of various volunteer groups in my area and wanted to be a part of this movement.».
Mavluda often visits tuberculosis patients, whom she cares for. Each visit is accompanied by a treat: sweet fruit and warm bread.
SOCIAL WORKERS ARE SPECIALISTS WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO HELP PEOPLE WITH TUBERCULOSIS.
Mavluda, a volunteer, began attending classes where she received valuable information about the symptoms, treatment, and social aspects of tuberculosis. She also learned about the importance of convincing people with the disease to seek medical help and combat stigma and discrimination.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE SERIOUS DANGER POSED BY TUBERCULOSIS AND COVID-19, AND TO BE AWARE OF EVENTS AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH.
Currently, 100 volunteers are working in five districts of the Sughd region of Tajikistan. They conduct information campaigns and screenings for people with tuberculosis. The volunteers also monitor the treatment of those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Additionally, starting in March 2020, they will organize a series of events aimed at educating the community about the prevention of COVID-19, with about 650 participants each week.
In the first eight months of the project, approximately 12,000 people were examined and screened. Of these, more than 800 were sent for a tuberculosis test, which confirmed the presence of the disease in 43 individuals.
Information campaigns aimed at preventing tuberculosis and COVID-19 are being held on the streets of the Sughd region.
Encouragement and Support
Volunteers provide social support to families and individuals suffering from tuberculosis that is resistant to various medications (TRVD). TRVD is a special type of tuberculosis that arises due to improper or inadequate treatment. As a result, it makes conventional anti-TB drugs less effective.
Mavluda regularly visits Rosiyakhon Immomudinova, a single mother of 50, every week to deliver necessary anti-inflammatory medications and monitor her treatment. In 2017, she was diagnosed with TALL, but started treatment only recently.
«I am very grateful for Mavluda’s visits and support during my treatment. She has been a great source of comfort and encouragement, making me feel less alone. This means a lot to me, as my life has not been easy and I have not felt strong enough to fight the illness on my own. The volunteers’ presence has motivated me to start treatment and continue on the path to recovery.».
