The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director in Myanmar, Ms. Aler Grubbs, introduced the new USAID Local Action Toward TB-Free Myanmar project to Dr. Thandar Lwin, Deputy Director General for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health and Sports and her colleagues in the National TB Program during a virtual event today, according to a statement.

The new three-year project marks a milestone in the U.S.-Myanmar partnership to prevent and treat TB. The project is being implemented by a Myanmar civil society organization, Pyi Gyi Khin, to empower people affected by TB to take a more active role in advocating for their wellbeing and in the design and delivery of TB services that meet the needs of people in their communities. The Local Action Toward TB-Free Myanmar builds on USAID support to the National TB Program since 2012.

“USAID is committed to forging new partnerships with local organizations, in order to empower communities to generate local solutions that meet the needs of people. Pyi Gyi Khin will collaborate with a diverse group of civil society organizations, government institutions, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and other partners to work together to try to end TB,” said Ms. Aler Grubbs, USAID Mission Director in Myanmar.

Myanmar has made great progress in reducing the spread of TB. The country saw a greater than 50 percent reduction in the TB prevalence rate from 2010 through 2018. However, multi-drug resistant TB is a persistent challenge and TB remains among Myanmar’s top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality.

The Local Action Toward TB Free Myanmar project was awarded as part of USAID’s “TB Accelerator” to prevent and treat TB in 23 high-burden countries, with a goal of contributing to national efforts towards TB elimination by 2035.