Dilshat Haitov - Kyrgyzstan
“Our patients wanted to get TB treatment, but they didn’t have anywhere to live”
The saucepan illustrates the work I’m doing to help TB patients who have just been released from prison, as well as other patients from vulnerable groups. In the past, we always faced the same problem: patients wanted to get TB treatment, but they didn’t have anywhere to live. They wanted to go to the clinic to get their pills, but they didn’t have anywhere to spend the night. This year, thanks to an agreement with UNDP and the Global Fund, we were able to open a temporary housing center for patients with tuberculosis in difficult life situations. The two organizations cover the rent and bought us all he furniture and appliances, including the new saucepan. Here, clients can cook for themselves three times a day. We provide them with everything they need, from toothbrushes to clean sheets. They can just come in with the clothes they are wearing and nothing else. Thanks to this center, people who don’t have anywhere to live can come for treatment, as well as for medical, social and psychological consultations. Some come in just to have a meal or wash their clothes.
If it wasn’t for the support of the Global Fund and UNDP, we wouldn’t have these kinds of shelters in Kyrgyzstan.