When friendship connects a large circle of people: the value of partnerships

As a part of the joint US Kazakstan effort to reduce the remnants of the nuclear weapons testing program, a health care partnership was initiated. This presentation will describe how this partnership, rooted in Project Sapphire, has successfully reached its initial goals and how it has served as the foundation for additional programs. Each of these related program initiatives has been woven into a larger, long-term set of partnerships. These programs are having a significant impact on the rejuvenation of the National Nuclear Center and the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Regional Administrations to effectively manage the remaining health concerns of the public exposed to both direct and indirect effects upon the health of the population associated with the nuclear testing program. The value of such partnerships is being applied to both government and public activities in a synergistic manner. Ultimately such efforts will have economic, scientific and social benefits that will improve the health and well being of Kazakstan and its people as it moves into the X XI century. (author)