Despite the war Non-governmental organization "Labor and Health Social Initiatives" (LHSI) and regional coordinators continue project implementation "You should know about tuberculosis"The danger does not stop our partners — social centers and medical institutions in the regions, they continue to screen for symptoms of tuberculosis and provide social support for tuberculosis diagnosis at every opportunity.

For example, Donetsk region is one of the most dangerous right now, because, in addition to shelling, there is active fighting going on quite close by. At the same time, there are many internally displaced people here, those who have escaped from the most dangerous places to neighboring communities, where it is at least a little calmer. And the implementation of the project "You should know about tuberculosis" is also underway here.

A small but stable project team works in Dobropilly: Anna Agisheva Director of the Dobropil City Center for Social Services, social worker of the same center Elena Ziva and family doctor Iryna Kozenyatko.

"Due to the fact that the city of Dobropillya is one of the most remote cities in Donetsk region from the combat zone, the situation in the city is relatively safer. Many local residents remain here and the number of internally displaced persons who need support and social services is increasing," he notes. Anna Agisheva.

Enterprises and institutions, including social institutions and hospitals, continue to operate in the city as usual, the trade sector is expanding, and the humanitarian headquarters continues to operate. Therefore, Dobropillya is very favorable for the residence of IDPs and the entire population of the city.

Of course, not only physical safety is important, but also people's mental health. How does a team that works every day with people in difficult life circumstances support itself? The project "You Should Know About Tuberculosis" touches on sensitive topics, and the constant increase in the number of people in need of help can drain personal resources.

“Each team member has their own way of dealing with stress and negative emotions,” comments Anna Agisheva. — Our team also participates in various trainings on psychological support and mental health. Thanks to the experience of specialists and the constant improvement of competence and awareness in various areas, we can support both each other and service recipients, as well as refer them to specialized specialists.

"I'll say more," he adds. Anna Agisheva. — Due to the fact that the team's specialists have many years of experience in the field of social activities and have already acquired the appropriate authority and have the skills to communicate among different segments of the population, including people who find themselves in difficult life circumstances, in most cases communication occurs without conflicts."

This year, the number of specialists in the Dobropillya city team has decreased, but the work continues. The specialists are implementing all the tasks set.

In 2023, screening was carried out in the Donetsk region 16000 people with symptoms of tuberculosis, including 1600 children, of whom 5819 received diagnostic services. In 25 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis and transferred for medical and social support, in 174 children were diagnosed with LTBI, were taken under social support and successfully completed preventive treatment.

Funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was significantly reduced in 2024. However, social workers were able to screen over 500 people for symptoms of tuberculosis, and 226 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were tested for active disease.

Svetlana Guseva, a program specialist for the project with the NGO “Social Initiatives for Health and Safety”, notes that due to intensive shelling, it is difficult for people to leave the city, which complicates their ability to undergo additional examinations or receive a consultation from a tuberculosis specialist in Kramatorsk. Limited movement in the region also complicates access to examinations and the delivery of BCG vaccines. The war is negatively affecting community efforts to combat tuberculosis. However, despite these difficulties, the team of the NGO “Social Initiatives for Health and Safety” continues to support the region. We are holding on!