Rinat Akhmetov Foundation makes up-to-date TB diagnostics accessible for HIV-infected patients in Donetsk

Since August of 2011, Donetsk has been implementing a new project funded by Rinat Akhmetov Foundation "Development of Ukraine", aimed at introducing the most accurate and sensitive method of tuberculosis diagnostics in HIV infected patients free of charge. More than 30 patients from Donetsk and Donetsk region registered at Donetsk Regional AIDS Center and who receive treatment at the Regional Clinical TB Hospital, have undergone the so-called PCR diagnosis method (polymer chain reaction diagnostics). Mycobacteria tuberculosis were detected in 15% cases, and this method has facilitated the diagnosis and spared time to start treatment.

This method is currently the most efficient, but as well the most expensive - not everyone can afford the PCR diagnostics. At the same time, the main death reasons of HIV-infected people are delayed diagnosis, opportunistic infections, among them tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in HIV-positive is difficult to diagnose, because half of the cases are smear-negative (the main method for TB diagnosis is microscopy and bacteriology, i.e. the detection of tuberculosis bacteria in sputum). PCR method can identify the presence of TB bacteria isolated in the specimen.

Therefore, Rinat Akhmetov Foundation "Development of Ukraine", continuing the implementation of its ambitious program to address the TB epidemic in Donetsk region, have made a contract with private  laboratory in Donetsk, which has a quality certificate for TB diagnostics by PCR screening of HIV-infected patients. It is planned to extend the project till the next year, until the equipment for molecular genetic (PCR) methods for TB diagnostics is purchased for Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Hospital (scheduled for 2013).

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Reports on Reducing the Tuberculosis Burden in Ukraine

Tetyana Bilyk, Leader of FDU Programm for TB Control

The meeting of stakeholders took place on 30 June 2011 in the conference hall of the Khreschatyk hotel where R9 primary recipients of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria reported on their work for the period from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011 and discussed the general issues to be considered and agreed upon by the stakeholders.
Participants presented the following reports:
Program implementation results for Reducing the TB Burden in Ukraine through Expanding and Enhancing Access to High Quality TB Services – Tetyana Bilyk, Foundation for Development of Ukraine.
Program implementation results for Support for Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Treatment and Care for Most Vulnerable Population Groups in Ukraine – Volodymyr Kurpita, All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Program implementation results for Support for Prevention of HIV/AIDS, Treatment and Care for Most Vulnerable Population Groups in Ukraine – Pavel Smirnov, Deputy Director in charge of program-related issues, International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine

The meeting featured presentation of the Stop TB in Ukraine program logo. The partners were informed about the logo creation and selection process.  The participants discussed and planned the national-scale events within the framework of the following programs:
National Conference to Fight TB Epidemic (initiated by the Foundation for Development of Ukraine)
Concluding Conference on Strengthening Ukraine’s Response to HIV/AIDS Epidemic by Providing Services and Information (SUNRISE) (initiated by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine)
Besides, the meeting organizers announced that Michel Kazatchkine, GFATM Executive Director, is visiting Ukraine in October 2011 and disclosed the purpose and program of his visit.

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Health Care Programs

Rinat Akhmetov -  owner of SCM Group, the founder of the charitable foundations Development of Ukraine and Foundation for Effective Governance. 

Programs:

Stop TB in Ukraine 

Total budget: $168,2 million for 2007 - 2011, for 2007 - 2010 $37,7 m., for 2011 $130,5 m.

Since 2007, the Foundation has been realizing a large-scale project "Stop TB". In 2009, the Fund managed to attract funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This project will complement the National program for tuberculosis control. 

In 5 year-period cure rate is planned to be increased by 35% (from 59% to 80%). Total amount of 5-year grant is over $95 million aimed to create a laboratory quality control system for anti-TB drugs, over 80% of health workers shall be trained according to international standards.

Social effect.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health draft law regulating TB control was developed. Children departments in 22 regional TB hospitals were equipped. Functioning under the regional program for TB control allowed to decrease incidence in Donetsk oblast by 13.5%, mortality by 19.9% ​​comparing to 2006.  

Cancer Can Be Cured

Total budget: $315 million for 2008-2013, for 2008-2010 $72 m., for 2011 $80 m.
Purpose: to introduce the European level of cancer diagnosis and treatment in Ukraine. 

Diagnostic equipment for Donetsk and Lviv cancer clinics procured and installed. In 2011, the Radiation Therapy Centers were equipped in Rivne and Lviv oncological dispensaries, the delivery of the second unit is scheduled. Memorandum on cooperation is signed between the Foundation, Rivne  Regional State Administration and Rivne City oncology hospital.The facility will be equipped with linear accelerator, a modern CT and other equipment for radiation therapy and cancer diagnostics, to the total amount of $ 22 million. In the clinic there will be a regional center of radiation therapy, where patients from neighboring areas may also be treated. 

Social effect.
15 000 patients of Lviv and Donetsk centers have already been diagnosed using high-technology equipment. Experts have mastered and are actively using new methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer.