Opinions & Interviews

Zsuzsanna Jakab was briefed about Belarus’ efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C and non-communicable diseases, and the upgrade of the country’s healthcare system. The modernization provides for promotion of the general practitioner service in primary care, a bigger focus on prevention (identification of risk factors of various diseases, screening campaigns), and a large-scale digitalization of the healthcare sector, with the ultimate goal of increasing the quality of medical help.

Zsuzsanna Jakab noted that thanks to consistent and incremental efforts and stable financial support from the government, Belarus managed to make considerable progress in curbing HIV infection. The country started producing its own medicines to treat HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis C, and ensured unobstructed access to treatment for all. Zsuzsanna Jakab praised Belarus’ efforts to fight these diseases. She believes that no other post-Soviet state is doing as much to combat these diseases.

Zsuzsanna Jakab is taking part in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) Regional Consultation on Expanding Access to Affordable and Quality Assured Antiretroviral and Antituberculosis Medicines that is taking place in Minsk on 20-22 November.