On World TB Day Minister of Health of Ukraine Maxym Stepanov signed a memorandum with USAID on cooperation in combating the disease. According to him, last year alone more than 17,000 people fell ill with tuberculosis in Ukraine, of which 504 were children. More than 14,000 citizens recovered, 2,886 died.

"This is a global disease that has serious consequences not only for the life and health of Ukrainians but also for the economy of our country. Tuberculosis requires long and complex treatment. Sometimes this process lasts from 6 months to a year," told Maxym Stepanov.

At the same time, the Minister stressed, the disease can be cured with early diagnosis and constant medical care. He believes that working with international partners to fight the disease will work best.

"I am signing this memorandum with our international partners, USAID, to ensure the health and quality of life of Ukrainians by reducing the incidence of tuberculosis in Ukraine. Our country has made a tangible step forward in overcoming this disease, and in synergy with our partners we will be able to overcome tuberculosis in Ukraine," Maxym Stepanov stressed.

According to James Hope, Director of the USAID Mission in Ukraine and Belarus, the document outlines a vision for further development of cooperation and coordination of actions that should put an end to tuberculosis in our country.

"I would like to thank the leadership of the Ministry of Health for its ongoing activities in the global fight against tuberculosis. Ukraine and the United States have been cooperating to combat the disease for almost 20 years. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing this important partnership. Our common goal is to reach out to every TB patient, provide treatment to those in need, and prevent new and wider infection cases," said James Hope.