Every year, on the 1st of JuneInternational Day for Protection of Children (aka Children’sDay) is celebrated around the world to honor children and raise awareness of children’s rights.
To celebrate the occasion, children, caretakers,healthcare workers and staffof medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)gathered in the children’s ward at Machiton hospitalon the 31stof May, 2018 to promote the health and wellbeing of paediatric patients. More specifically, the event was hosted for children of all ages who are currently undergoing treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis – a form of TB that does not respond to common TB treatment.Because of their commitment to treatment, as well as the hard work of the healthcare providers, TB is curable!
Throughout the celebration, children enjoyed various games and plays with cartoon characters. MSF presented the children in attendance with gifts and stationery to ensure that children have all the materials needed to continue their education during treatment.
Notably, this special event was held in addition to regular celebrations that are hosted for paediatric patients while they are under hospital care. These regular events help children to stay motivated and overcome treatment challenges.
Since 2011, MSF has worked together with the Tajik Ministry of Health and Social Protection on implementing a comprehensive paediatric TB care programme, in order to demonstrate that the provision of such care for children is feasible and that TB, especially DR-TB, can be successfully diagnosed and ultimately cured.
In addition to the TB activities in Dushanbe, MSF also runs a paediatric and family HIV programme in Kulob city and the surrounding Kulob zone. Having opened in 2016, the HIV programme focuses on testing and treatment, psychosocial care, strengthening local capacity, as well as improving infection control measures in health facilities.
