LocationsUNDP and Global Fund Support Tajikistan’s First Integrated HIV and TB Service Sites
June 9, 2025
From left to right – Dilorom, UNDP representative, Ruhshona, infection disease doctor.
Khatlon Region, Kulob, 27 May 2025 — With the joint support of UNDP and the Global Fund and within the framework of the grant “Ending HIV and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics through evidence-based interventions and innovative approaches with a focus on key and vulnerable populations,” the first two friendly HIV and TB integrated service sites have been opened in Tajikistan. These new sites are located at City Polyclinics No. 1 and No. 2 in Kulob.
The goal of establishing these friendly service sits is to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all population groups, especially those most vulnerable to these diseases. The new sites are fully equipped with modern diagnostic, treatment, and counseling tools for HIV and TB.
Polyclinic No. 2 in Kulob city, where friendly HIV and TB integrated service site is located.
In these integrated sites, general population, as well as members of key and vulnerable populations affected by HIV/TB, can access the following services:
- HIV counseling and testing
- Tuberculosis diagnostics and care
- Referrals to specialists and follow-up services
- Free peer-to-peer counseling
The opening of these service rooms is the result of collaborative efforts by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republican and Kulob AIDS Centers, the National TB Control Program and UNDP, which implements the Global Fund grant in the country.
Integration as a Key to Efficiency
Integrating HIV and TB services aims to ensure timely detection, effective patient management, and a reduction in patient losses throughout the care continuum — from quality counseling and diagnostics to the initiation and completion of treatment. At the new service sites, clients can access a full range of services: from counseling and testing for HIV and TB to treatment initiation, monitoring, and provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and anti-TB medicines.
From left to right: Sunatullo, Director of Polyclinic No. 2, Dilorum, UNDP representative, Gani, Director of the Kulyab Regional AIDS Centre, Ramshed, Head of the Outpatient Department of the AIDS Centre and Coordinator on HIV/TB under our project.
All specialists working in the sites have undergone professional development training, ensuring a high standard of service delivery. Furthermore, the sites are linked to the National Electronic Health System, enabling effective tracking and coordination of medical services.
Clinic directors noted: “The opening of these service sites is a significant step forward in delivering quality services for patients co-infected with HIV and TB, as well as for vulnerable populations, in a confidential, stigma-free setting.”
Support and Future Prospects
The creation of integrated service sites was made possible with the support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, aimed at strengthening the resilience of Tajikistan’s health system. Plans are in place to expand this model to other regions of the country (in 2026, two more rooms are planned to be opened in the city of Bokhtar), bringing high-quality healthcare services closer to the population, especially to vulnerable groups, and improving the overall effectiveness of HIV and TB response efforts.
Context
According to the Republican AIDS Center, Tajikistan continues to face a significant burden of HIV and tuberculosis. Many patients experience challenges in accessing care throughout the treatment pathway. Integrated services are a globally recognized approach to addressing these issues, helping to increase both service coverage and treatment outcomes.