UNICEF medical supplies help stop HIV’s spread in Uzbekistan’s eastTashkent 11 May 2009 - UNICEF procured syringes, infusion systems and other single use medical kit is reaching patients in the eastern Uzbek province of Namangan. Equipment is also now en route to neighbouring Andijian province. Unsafe medical practices recently contributed to outbreaks of HIV in young people in these regions. The kit is part of UNICEF’s immediate response within the Governments efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in these regions through improving patient’s safety in health facilities. ‘The single use kit is the first, vital step in making care safer and combating HIV/AIDS in the East. Our joint response was rapid – that’s why UNICEF’s in the lead. Naturally we’re here to help in all areas to halt HIV’s spread in Uzbekistan’ Said Mahboob Shareef UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. A series of wider steps were also agreed to tackle HIV and related issues in the regions. These include planning and implementing a regional plan of action for HIV prevention among youth, women, and children with the regional authorities, improving treatment and care for HIV infected mothers and children and boosting psychosocial support to HIV infected mothers. UNICEF will provide technical support to the Regional authorities in establishing a system for effective HIV monitoring and will work with partners and the media to let people know just how to protect them for the virus. A UNICEF supported nationwide maternal and child health improvement programme will now prioritize the eastern regions – with an emphasis on strengthening the Management of Childhood Illnesses.
Dr. Komiljon Akmedov UNICEF Uzbekistan HIV/AIDS Programme Officer: kakhmedov@unicef.org
|
