DUSHANBE, February 13, Asia-Plus - Mr. Valery Chernyavsky, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) Portfolio Manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, arrived in Tajikistan Sunday [February 12] to see implementation of GFATM grants in Tajikistan on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis and finalize preparations for launch of malaria grant with UNDP Tajikistan as an implementing partner, according to information form the UNDP Dushanbe Office. 

Today morning Chernyavsky met with Tajik Minister of Health Nusratullo Fayzulloyev.  Today, he also will meet with Mr. William Paton, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, and Mr. Azamjon Mirzoyev, director of the Republican Center to Prevent HIV/ADIS.  Today afternoon, Chernyavsky is also scheduled to hold meetings at the Republican Center for Combating Tropical Diseases and representatives from a number of NGOs in Dushanbe .       

During his stay in Tajikistan, which will last till February 16, GFATM portfolio managers for Eastern Europe and Central Asia also will meet with Ms. Khayrinisso Mavlonova, deputy Tajik Prime Minister and senior representatives from some international organizations to discuss work on strengthening of cooperation with state and non-government partners in the republic for the purpose of an effective implementation of a large-scale and long-term program aimed at combating malaria in Tajikistan .  

Taking into consideration a scope of malaria problem in Tajikistan , in May 2005, Country proposal was presented on behalf of the National Coordination Committee to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (CCM) to GFATM and later approved by the Global Fund.  The proposal is aimed at supporting the National malaria control program in Tajikistan and the total amount granted for 5-year period (2006-2010) is USD 5.3 million.