Filha's work in the Republic of Karelia (Russian Federation) is based on an agreement signed in 1999 between the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Health Care and Social Development of the Republic of Karelia. The first phase of the project Fighting Tuberculosis in Karelia was carried out in 2000-2004, and the second phase in 2005-2007. An external evaluation of the project has been made twice, in 2003 and 2007.

Filha cooperate with the Tuberculosis Dispensary of the Republic of Karelia in order to improve the tuberculosis situation. The project aims at supporting the Karelian health care officials to implement the Stop TB Strategy in accordance with the WHO recommendations.

The third phase of the Project is planned for years 2008-2010, and it consists of two components. The first component concentrates on improving the laboratory diagnostics of tuberculosis by supporting the creation of a functioning laboratory network in the Republic of Karelia and by strengthening the capacity of the Central TB laboratory in Petrozavodsk to provide laboratory services of high quality. The second component of the Project aims at activating cooperation between the primary health care and specialised TB services in the field of early detection of tuberculosis and organising directly observed therapy (DOT) during the continuation phase of treatment in four pilot districts, which are Kem, Belomorsk, Pryazha and Olonets.

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs is funding the Project in the framework of the Finnish Cooperation Programme with Neighbouring Areas and since 2008 in the framework of the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being.

More information: senior medical officer Kristiina Salovaara, tel. +358 9 4542 1230, e-mail: kristiina.salovaara(a)filha.fi