Tajikistan takes first step in financing HIV medicines and tests for newborns

For the first time, the Government of Tajikistan has financed the procurement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs and HIV early diagnosis tests for newborns, under the project “Support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan in Procuring Quality Medical Products,” implemented by UNDP.

The Government-financed procurement is sufficient to meet the needs of around 1,000 patients on the WHO-recommended TLD regimen for one year and provides essential tests for early HIV diagnosis among infants. An agreement signed on November 21, 2024, between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP) and UNDP facilitated the handover of medical products to the Republican AIDS Centre for nationwide distribution.

Alijon Soliev, Deputy Director of the AIDS Centre, reflecting on this milestone, expressed commitment to further progress in the future.  “Since 2006, the Global Fund, with support from UNDP, has been the main supplier of HIV medicines in Tajikistan,” said Soliev. “This year, with the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Government of Tajikistan, additional funds from the state budget were allocated for this vital procurement. Looking ahead, we will continue working together to ensure sustainable financing by combining national resources with donor support.”

This milestone coincided with an official visit of the Global Fund team, led by Dr. Dumitru Laticevschi, Regional Manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Dr. Dawran Faizan, Fund Portfolio Manager for Tajikistan. The delegation joined the handover ceremony and congratulated the government on this important achievement.

“We witnessed today a great event — the government is taking responsibility for part of this treatment, which is a critical step towards a sustainable programme in Tajikistan,” said Dr. Faizan.

The agreement totals USD 53,949.03. In addition, UNDP contributed an extra USD 35,000 this year to supply urgently needed medical equipment to support the healthcare system.

Speaking at the event, Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Tajikistan Resident Representative, praised the government’s initiative: “This is an important first step by the Government of Tajikistan in taking greater ownership of the national HIV response. By contributing to the procurement of life-saving medicines and diagnostics, the country is building a path toward sustainability, resilience, and healthier futures for its people. UNDP is proud to stand alongside the government and partners in this effort.” Mr Mukerjee believes that this is an important step towards Government co-financing of all international development programmes, an imperative in view of the rapid shrinking of overseas development assistance.

Since 2006, the procurement of ART medicines has been managed by UNDP through grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. With continued donor support, UNDP implements the project “Ending HIV and Tuberculosis Epidemics Through Evidence-Based Interventions and Innovative Approaches with a Focus on Key and Vulnerable Populations,” supplying essential medicines, diagnostics, and preventive measures aimed at reducing HIV in the country.

Thanks to years of cooperation between UNDP, MoHSPP, and international partners, access to quality diagnostics, treatment, and care has expanded, especially for key and vulnerable populations. This new government-backed procurement demonstrates Tajikistan’s commitment to the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and strengthens national capacity to fight HIV.

The first batch of drugs and tests has already been delivered to the Republican AIDS Centre, with full delivery expected by the end of the year. All medical products meet WHO quality standards. UNDP remains ready to continue supporting the government in the procurement and supply of medical products, ensuring quality and efficient use of public funds.