Even if Tuberculosis can be prevented and cured and
approximately half a century passed after the introduction of anti tubercular
drugs, we are still facing today a situation in Europe where there are an
estimated 49 new cases and 7 deaths every hour.
The reasons explaining why the European countries have still
not been able to stop TB are well known: the continuing emergence of drug
resistance; the prevalence in vulnerable population; the steep rise in
co-infection of HIV and TB, etc.
To take up these challenges, the Non-Governmental Organisations
play a pivotal role. Being closer to the people from the top levels to the
grassroots and based on their field experience, the NGO-s play a crucial role
in preventing, reducing and eventually stopping TB.
Developing and implementing social assistance projects for
people with Multi-Drug Resistant TB, our organisation has been actively
involved and committed to these tasks in Moldova - a country that has suffered
a violent social chock after the collapse of the USSR. Carlux NGO is the
successor of the TB/HIV Project in penitentiary institutions launched in 1999
with the financial support of the Foundation Caritas Luxembourg. Our mission is
to reduce TB/HIV morbidity and mortality by means of support activities and
capacity building of institutions in civil and penitentiary sectors as well as
by improving treatment conditions in these institutions.
We had the privilege to see this work and contribution
acknowledged with the award of the joint EC/ECDC/WHO EURO European Prize on the
NGO combat against TB. Beyond the personal satisfaction, this award is of
particular importance to highlight the contribution played by NGO-s.
Acknowledging and supporting the work of these organisations will be key in our
joint effort to achieve our objectives to stop TB.
