On May 19–20, a two-day international workshop dedicated to strengthening peer-to-peer approaches in the tuberculosis response took place in Oslo, Norway. The event brought together around 60 participants from 14 countries across the WHO European Region, including representatives of civil society organisations, healthcare systems, national tuberculosis programmes, and public health experts.
Ukraine was represented by experts from the Alliance for Public Health as well as a delegation from the Public Health Center of Ukraine. A key focus of the workshop was the exchange of practical experience between countries and the role of communities in ensuring access to support and healthcare services.
During the second day of the workshop, Ukrainian experts Mariia Malakhova, Inna Gavrilova, and Yevheniia Heliukh presented the experience of the Alliance for Public Health in developing cross-border support systems, implementing digital innovations, and introducing sustainable financing approaches for tuberculosis programmes in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Participants were also introduced to the TWIIN digital assistant as an example of modern peer-to-peer digital support, an online consultation platform connecting users with psychologists and medical professionals, a DHIS2-based data management system, and the HelpNow initiative as an example of cross-border cooperation supporting Ukrainians abroad.
In addition, Yevheniia Heliukh shared the experience of implementing peer-support approaches in cooperation with the Roma organisation “Chirikli” as part of active tuberculosis case finding among Roma communities. The effectiveness of this model is rooted in its strong community focus: Roma mediators work directly with members of their own communities, helping overcome barriers, build trust, and improve access to screening and healthcare services.
A dedicated session involving representatives of Ministries of Health and National Tuberculosis Programmes focused on practical steps for integrating peer-support approaches into national healthcare systems and policies.
The workshop became another example of how Ukrainian expertise in public health, digital innovation, and community-based support is increasingly being shared internationally and adapted by other countries across the region.
The event was organised by LHL Internasjonal in partnership with the TB Europe Coalition and Latvijas Tuberkulozes apkarošanas biedrība.
