World Health Organisation to Help Kaliningrad Region Cope with Tuberculosis

A health project designed with the help of the World Health Organisation devoted to preventing the spread of tuberculosis has got under way in the Kaliningrad Region. As a Rosbalt correspondent was informed by the press office of the regional administration, the presentation of the project took place in Kaliningrad today.

The project, which will cost around USD 500 thousand, will be implemented between 2003 and 2005. The World Health Organisation said that Switzerland was sponsoring the project. The project is based on international methods of preventing tuberculosis including faster detection of tuberculosis, faster provision of controlled assistance, social support for the poor and increased public awareness. Agreements have already been reached on the provision of modern laboratory equipment, money, reagents, transport, computers and office equipment to the local health authorities. Assistance is also expected for ill prisoners.

Representatives of the Russian Health Ministry, the World Health Organisation and other international organisations will visit the regional tuberculosis clinic, the AIDS and HIV clinic, the tuberculosis prizon hospital in the village of Ozerki and the central regional hospital in Gvardeisk.