Tajikistan trains healthcare workers on WHO-endorsed SIILTIBCY skin test to improve early TB diagnosis
KNCV’s SCAF-TB Project is strengthening TB prevention and early TB detection through the implementation of the WHO-endorsed SIILTIBCY skin test for TB infection screening among close contacts in Tajikistan. Supported by targeted healthcare worker training in Dushanbe, Tajikistan is advancing TB diagnostics, TB screening, TB preventive treatment, and person-centred care in the region.
Dushanbe, May 6, 2026 — A structured training event on the introduction of innovative SIILTIBCY skin test for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) infection among individuals who have been in contact with sources of infection was held in Dushanbe in frame of the Project "Implementation and Use of the WHO-Endorsed SIILTIBCY Skin Test for Screening Tuberculosis Infection Among Close Contacts in Tajikistan."
The training was implemented with the technical support of KNCV in Tajikistan, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, the National Tuberculosis Program, the Association of Phthisiopulmonologists of the Republic of Tajikistan and partner organizations.
About the training
The event was attended by 32 healthcare workers from Dushanbe city, involved in early detection, epidemiological investigation of contacts and TB preventive treatment (TPT).
The main purpose of training was to strengthen the clinical and organizational capacity of specialists for the standardized implementation of SIILTIBCY diagnostic algorithm in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and evidence-based medicine principles for TB prevention.
The educational program covered modern approaches to immunodiagnostics of TB infection, the operability of CY-TB test, standardized interpretation of results, as well as clinical and programmatic aspects of prescribing and monitoring TPT, including adherence and patient counseling.
Special attention was paid to standardization of diagnostic procedures, implementation of patient-centred service delivery models, and expanding the coverage of contact groups with active screening, including outreach and mobile approaches.
Digital and technological solutions for tTB diagnostics were also presented, including perspective artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms (e.g., cough analysis) and digital platforms, such as AudibleHealth AI and TB Connect Smart Patch, to improve the efficiency of disease detection in both healthcare facilities and field settings.
Healthcare worker training. SmartPatch demonstration
The results of the post-training assessment demonstrated a significant increase in participants’ knowledge level – from 54.4% to 87%, which indicates the high effectiveness of educational intervention.
Introduction of SIILTIBCY-testing is considered a strategically important element in strengthening the system of early detection of TB infection and expanding the coverage of TPT among contact and vulnerable groups of the population in the Republic of Tajikistan.
