Key skills and expertise

Bringing 45 years of experience in the health sector, the expert specializes in tuberculosis control, with a strong focus on infection control and MDR-TB management within prisons. Key qualifications include providing technical assistance, implementing projects, and building capacity across international initiatives. Career highlights include leadership roles managing teams of up to 50 people and collaborating with organizations such as WHO and ICRC. Notable accomplishments involve establishing TB projects from scratch and significantly enhancing TB care in challenging environments. The expert has a proven track record in developing policies, guidelines, and training programs for medical staff.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated extensively with international donors, including WHO, USAID, and the Global Fund, providing technical assistance and leading TB control projects. Responsibilities have included project implementation, capacity building, and evaluations within the health sector, with a particular focus on TB and MDR-TB control. These projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Georgia. The expert's work has involved developing guidelines, enhancing health systems, and supporting proposal writing for donor funding.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in the health sector, the expert has focused on tuberculosis control, infection management, and health in detention. Roles have included technical officer, TB specialist, and project manager, with responsibilities such as project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building. The expert's work spans regional and country-specific projects across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia, demonstrating interdisciplinary knowledge in public health systems and international health policy. The expert has extensive geographic experience across multiple regions, including countries like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and China. This experience has provided deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in tuberculosis control and health system strengthening through long-term assignments and recurring involvement in these regions.

Languages and education

With proficiency in English and Russian, the expert has used these languages extensively in professional settings, including international health projects and collaborations with organizations like WHO and ICRC. These language skills have facilitated work in multilingual teams and contributed to effective communication in diverse cultural environments. The expert holds a PhD from the Moscow Institute of Internal Medicine, Russia, obtained after completing a post-graduate course from 1984 to 1987. Additionally, the expert earned a medical degree from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia, where studies were conducted from 1974 to 1980. The academic focus has been primarily in the field of medicine.