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On October 2, a quadripartite memorandum of cooperation was signed among the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, New Vector, TB People and the Georgia Patient Union.

The memorandum is geared towards working together to support TB JOURNEY high risk groups in Georgia in overcoming seven-step barriers. In particular, it looks at barriers along the following seven components:

• I - identification of symptoms;
• II- search for treatment options;
• III- correct diagnosis;
• IV - treatment outset;
• V - support for adherence to treatment;
• VI - completion of treatment;
• VII- receiving additional services.

The memorandum was signed by the parties’ top officials: Zaza Avaliani, Director of the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Konstantin Labartkava, Director of New Vector, Nikoloz Mirzashvili on behalf of TB People and Giorgi Saginadze on behalf of the Georgian Patient Union.

The joint activities under the memorandum will target groups at higher risk for tuberculosis; patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and their families; environment and community; institutions serving tuberculosis patients; decision makers.

The memorandum was signed as part of the TB REP 2.0 regional project implemented by the PAS Center in 11 countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with the financial support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

“We would like to thank the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Center, the Georgian Patients Union, and TB People for the outstanding cooperation and support. We also thank the PAS Center, which helps through its activities to unite the organizations and representatives working in the field of tuberculosis around a common goal, ”says New Vector.

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