DUSHANBE, December 20, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) have announced the competition among the Tajik media for the best media coverage of tuberculosis in Tajikistan.

Fotima Yoqubova, a spokeswoman for a MoH, said the goal of the competition is to promote development and active involvement of mass media in Tajikistan in covering issues of tuberculosis and increase awareness of preventive interventions and available treatment for tuberculosis.

According to her, the informational materials that have been published in print media and on Internet since January 1, 2008 will be considered by the contest jury.  Deadline for receipt of entries is March 20, 2009.

The total prize money is 1,000 US dollars: the first prize – US$400.00; the second prize – US$300.00; and the third prize – US$200.00

Tuberculosis is still a major public health problem, despite widespread misconception the disease has nearly disappeared.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2 billion people across the world are infected tuberculosis bacilli. Globally, more than 2 million people die of tuberculosis every an additional 9 million become ill.  Tuberculosis is a curable disease. Its treatment is available and affordable with detection, and entails taking medicine for at least 6 months. However, with late detection incomplete treatment, a severe and drug-resistant form of the disease can develop.