The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $43.27 million grant financing package to help Tajikistan strengthen health security and advance primary healthcare reforms.

The project is designed to help Tajikistan build a more integrated and resilient healthcare system capable of preventing, detecting and responding to disease outbreaks, natural hazard-related health risks and cross-border health threats, Qazinform News Agency reports.

ADB Country Director for Tajikistan Ko Sakamoto said preparedness was essential to responding effectively to future health crises. The initiative, he added, would strengthen the country’s defenses against disease outbreaks while improving healthcare services.

The project will strengthen disease monitoring at major border crossings and support public health laboratories in improving their capacity and efficiency.

Digital and artificial intelligence tools will also be introduced to enhance disease surveillance and emergency response capabilities.

The initiative will promote cooperation between human and animal health sectors through the One Health approach, while healthcare workers will receive training on public health threats, natural hazard-related risks and violence against women and girls.

Special attention will be given to rural, remote and border communities, with measures aimed at improving access to healthcare and supporting earlier detection of diseases including tuberculosis and HIV.

The project will also make primary healthcare services more resilient to weather-related shocks and more responsive to the needs of women and girls.

Public awareness campaigns on infectious and zoonotic diseases will be supported, alongside stronger risk communication for women and other vulnerable groups.

Five specialized integrated service centers will be established across Tajikistan to expand healthcare and social protection services for survivors of violence against women and girls.

How $43.27 million will be financed

The financing package includes:

$28 million from ADB’s Asian Development Fund;

$10.27 million from the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Trust Fund;

$3 million from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific;

$2 million from the Green Climate Fund.

According to ADB, the initiative is the first ADB-approved project under its Glaciers to Farms Program to receive Green Climate Fund financing.