Source: Ukraine: online-media “Ostrov”
Date of publication: 16 May, 2007 13:30
WWW: http://ostro.org/shownews_ks.php?id=37695&lang=ru 
 
The regional five-year-Program for Fighting TB Epidemic in Donetsk Region in 2007-2011 was launched in Donetsk. The program was initiated by the Donetsk Regional Council, Donetsk Regional State Administration, and the Foundation for Development of Ukraine. The program has been uncovered today at presentation of the national project implemented by FDU and the Ukraine Without TB Memorandum, which provides for consolidation of efforts of the public, authorities, and business to combat TB epidemic. The initiators of the regional program were the first signatories of the Memorandum.
 
The regional program includes a set of actions on TB prevention, diagnostics and treatment, as well as raising awareness about the problem and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
 
“The regional program is a significant part of the national Stop TB program. We believe that the project under implementation in Donetsk region will be successful and serve as an example for other regions to follow. The Memorandum will become a consolidating force for those ready to join the anti-TB drive”, said Anatoliy Zabolotny, Director of the Foundation for Development of Ukraine.
 
The regional program will be financed by the Foundation for Development of Ukraine (around UAH 50m), the regional budget (around UAH 50m), and the budget of cities located in Donetsk region (around UAH 17m).
 
“I am sure the Memorandum will be joined by all local governments. In turn, we will do our best to solve the TB epidemic problem in Ukraine by the deadlines fixed in the program”, said Anatoliy Bliznuk, Chairman of the Donetsk Regional Council.
 
The presentation was preceded by a long and hard work conducted by a group of the top-flight specialists including international experts, health care specialists, and professionals of the Foundation. The work resulted in a strategic program based on concrete steps with the first of them to be made as soon as this summer.

Donetsk governor Vladimir Logvinenko said:
"Today we have a real chance to stop the epidemic. Obviously we can defeat the disease quickly and effectively only if we do it together. For this reason, we strongly hope for support and understanding. I would like to express my gratitude to everybody, who provided the chance for the government and business to consolidate in the drive against TB epidemic for the first time in Ukraine".

All stakeholders are expected to join realization of the program including companies, enterprises, non-governmental organizations and Donetsk region residents.
 
Profile: SCM’s Corporate Foundation for Development of Ukraine is a non-profit-making organization founded by SCM Group on 15 July, 2005. The budget of the Foundation is financed by SCM. The areas of activity of the Foundation include contemporary education, health of the nation, and cultural heritage. Rinat Akhmetov is the President of the Foundation.

The national project “Stop TB in Ukraine” is implemented by SCM’s Corporate Foundation for Development of Ukraine. The project is designed for 5 years and targets to consolidate efforts of the public, government, and business to stop TB epidemic in Ukraine.
 
The regional Program for Fighting TB Epidemic in Donetsk region in 2007-2011 is being implemented in partnership with Donetsk Regional Council and Donetsk Regional State Administration, and makes a part of the national project Stop TB in Ukraine.
 
The Ukraine Without TB Memorandum covers the principles and approaches to consolidate efforts of those committed to tacking TB problem.