In May 2019, a local CSO working in Tajikistan – the Gender and Development NGO (Dushanbe) that ensures access by key populations to TB prevention and care – prepared and submitted to the Global Fund’s Community, Rights and Gender (CRG) Technical Assistance Programme a request for assistance in assessing and identifying the barriers throughout the TB patient pathway from the onset of symptoms and diagnosis to successful cure and follow-up, and in developing recommendations to improve the cascade of TB care focused on human rights, the elimination of legal and gender barriers and the reduction of stigma in society. After a series of discussions, including the methodology, work plan and the expected results, the provision of technical assistance (TA) was agreed by key stakeholders comprising over 10 local CSOs involved in the implementation of Global Fund grants in Tajikistan; the Republican Centre for Protection of the Population from Tuberculosis (Republican TB Centre); the Republican AIDS Centre of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population; the National Coordinating Council on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (CCM); and the Global Fund Portfolio Manager who coordinates grants provided to the Republic of Tajikistan.

Following the assessment, an action plan was developed with recommendations and priority areas to be included in the new National TB Programme for 2021-2025, which formed the basis for the country proposal to the Global Fund for 2021-2023. For the first time, the National TB Programme included patient-centred interventions, taking into account gender and legal aspects, the role of communities as well as measures to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with, or affected by, TB.

The budget for technical assistance provided within the Global Fund CRG Programme to Tajikistan was USD 50 000. Technical assistance was delivered between August 2019 and February 2020.