Experience in mobilizing NGO resources and maintaining continuity of TB services during COVID-19
9/30/2020 12:37 PM
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Stella Bivol, Director of the PAS Center, presented an overview of the risk assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of the tuberculosis control program in nine countries of the EECA region, conducted under TB REP 2.0 at the WHO Regional Office for Europe meeting.
In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of supporting those at the forefront of the healthcare system. This can be done in the following ways:
Eliminate congestion by actively participating in the provision of enhanced home-based DOT and VOT services, by transporting people to health facilities, assisting volunteer doctors with online consultations and home visits for medical procedures or medication delivery.
Support of healthcare workers: PPE for medical personnel, organization of hotel accommodation for medical workers
Provide support for Covid-19 needs: Digital surveillance and GIS for case detection and predictive models of Covid-19
According to Stela Bivol, the focus of civil organizations to ensure resilience in and after COVID-19 should be as follows:
Increase efforts and resources for direct support of the key population (nutrition, basic needs) and home services
Ensuring the protection of personnel and adequate pay
Greater emphasis on virtual service delivery, connectivity and online outreach. For example, OneImpact, and other digital tools to promote adherence to treatment for effective recovery
Pay more attention to information, research and capacity building
Develop social entrepreneurship
It is important to note that Stella Bivol expressed her gratitude to partner organizations for sharing the best practices that they have implemented in countries during the COVID-19 period.
Their experience became the basis for the preparation of this Assessment:
Armenia: “Armenian Network of Positive People”, Center for TB Research and Prevention
Azerbaijan: Saglamliga Khidmat "Ictimai birliyi (Public Association" Health Support")
Kazakhstan: ALE "Kazakhstan Union of People Living with HIV"
Kyrgyzstan: Public Fund "AIDS Foundation East-West in the Kyrgyz Republic"
Moldova: Act for Involvement, Union of Harm Reduction Organizations, League of People Living with HIV
Uzbekistan: information and educational center of non-governmental and non-profit organization "INTILISH", NGO "Ishonch va hayot" ("Hope and Life")
Tajikistan: Stop TB Partnership
Ukraine "TBpeopleUkraine"
National Tuberculosis Programs for their contribution to risk assessments: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine
The online meeting of leaders and partners of national programs to combat tuberculosis, HIV and viral hepatitis to address the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic was held on September 23-24, 2020.
The Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS Center) is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit organization based in the Republic of Moldova, with over 27 years of experience in public health, health policy and health systems.
PAS Center develops and implements projects and interventions at national, regional and international levels, turning evidence, research and field experience into policies, solutions and actions that deliver impact. Our work combines research and policy analysis with programme implementation, advocacy and technical assistance, capacity building, community engagement, as well as health communication and public information and awareness campaigns. Through Sanatate INFO, we also contribute to public information and promote specialized, independent health journalism.
Our expertise spans health policy and systems, tuberculosis, HIV, viral hepatitis, tobacco control and noncommunicable disease prevention, digital health and community engagement. We work with public authorities and institutions across the health sector and other fields, international organizations, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations and communities, building partnerships and providing support for sustainable, high-impact interventions.
Over the years, PAS Center has implemented more than 70 projects, programmes, studies and initiatives, with a cumulative portfolio value exceeding EUR 80 million, contributing to better public policies and more effective, equitable, sustainable and people-centred health systems.