The Machiton Tuberculosis Center for Children was officially inaugurated on September 26 in a ceremony led by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and German Ambassador to Tajikistan York Schuegraf, according to the German Development Bank (KfW).

This new facility is a key part of the Tuberculosis Control Program, a collaborative effort funded by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW) and implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan.

 The hospital was implemented under Phase V of the TB control program, which has been implemented since 2006 with a total budget of 22.3 million EUR.  This comprehensive initiative has already supported the prior construction of National tuberculosis hospital in Machiton the National Reference Laboratory as well as Regional TB Hospital in Dehmoi, Sughd province.  Those facilities have been crucial for providing high-quality treatment, especially for patients with Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis.

The project included the construction of a new hospital building at the National Center for TB, Pulmonology, and Thoracic Surgery in Machiton.  The design goes beyond clinical needs, incorporating dedicated play and social service rooms and classrooms to create a supportive environment for children during their treatment. Additionally, new kitchen and laundry facilities were built or rehabilitated to support hospital operations.

The hospital is equipped with advanced medical equipment, including an ultrasound machine, to enhance early diagnosis and treatment.  The facility also features modern management methods and energy-efficient systems, such as state-of-the-art ventilation, heating, water, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as solar collectors.

To ensure the new hospital’s operational success, the project has a strong focus on capacity building.  Over the next few months, hospital staff will receive specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tuberculosis.  Moreover, a “Twinning Arrangement” with the German Supranational TB Reference Laboratory (SRL) in Gauting (IML red) provided training for laboratory staff on quality and safety management.

This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Germany and Tajikistan.  Since 2003, KfW has been a key partner in Tajikistan’s health sector, providing more than 100 million EUR through German-Tajik financial cooperation.  This support has funded a wide range of projects, including those in maternity and child health, emergency care, tuberculosis control, and polio prevention.