The Conference is a final event within the framework of the joint project “Fight against the tuberculosis: Use of mass-media resources”. This project was implemented in Uzbekistan from February till December, 2008 with the purpose to involve journalists to large-scale information campaign among the population, dedicated to prophylaxis and treatment of this disease. During the project implementation there were provided several trainings in Tashkent, Samarkand and Andijan. More than 100 journalists from many regions of Uzbekistan participated at the trainings.

Within the framework of the project the International Centre of Journalists, Republican DOTS Centre of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan with the assistance of USAID-funded program on TB control, implemented by Project HOPE conducted a competition for journalists. There were 4 nominations - Radio, TV, Printing and the Internet - materials.

Some tens the authors, who presented the creative works, took part in the competition. These were informative messages about project activities and DOTS implementation in Uzbekistan. Also analytical materials dedicated to such vital topics, as timely detection of TB, increasing population’s knowledge about the symptoms of tuberculosis, advantages of the treatment recommended by WHO, social protection TB patients and other socially significant questions.

The most interesting materials were regularly published on web site of ICJ. Competition juries noted special activeness of journalists from Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Andijan, Ferghana, Nukus, Chirchik, Almalyk. During the conference “The role of Mass-media in Tuberculosis Control” winners of the creative competition were awarded with diplomas and valuable prizes.