We have had a very successful TB day and this year implemented many of the ideas that were listed in the TB Day 2002 Highlights and the suggestions made for 2003. For example interviewing patients on TV; emphasizing partnerships (our press conference was with all agencies involved in TB present and they also gave presentations); social mobilizations (using the UZB unique system of Makhallas community groups); Sustaining the health care community (scientific conferences, new DOTS centre openings etc); Using the media (request to all journalist, TV and radio to use the theme of "DOTS cured me will cure you too" to try to get more patients to come forward so that they can be treated). Unfortunately cricket is not a major sport here!

What we have done UNIQUELY,  is used the religious networks and the Koran to get the message of TB day to the maximum number of people. First we researched the Koran in case there was specific mention of TB and then for health related aspects and we found a few that fitted the TB day theme.

For example
1. People don't pay enough attention or give value to time and health.
2. Everything can be treated but age.
3. God created treatment for all diseases, treat yourself, be treated.

These were used as entry points for a section related to Health and TB by all Mosques in UZB during the Friday prayers on 21st. As it was NAVROS nearly all UZB men went to the prayers. To ensure gender equality the religious line was also used in the special programme devoted to TB.

To our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has used the religious connection and networks. In fact in UZB it already has had a knock on effect for health messages generally as the Religious Committee for UZB will now work with the Institute of Health to include messages regularly in their Friday prayers. Globally,  UZB efforts are known as we are certain that soon we will need help to "motivate" and "push" from on high and at right level to form a partnership between DOTS and non-DOTS. If people here see that UZB efforts are recognised and known then maybe this can help this partnership!