Assistance of international donors to Kyrgyzstan in fighting COVID – 19

Bishkek, Apr. 9, 2020 / Kabar /. International donors assisted Kyrgyzstan in the fight against coronavirus infection. First Deputy Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Nuran Niyazaliev told at a news briefing about the support.

He said that to date, the humanitarian assistance in the form of rapid tests, reagents, personal protective equipment, as well as financial assistance for their acquisition, has been received from partners in a substantial amount.

“Since the beginning of March, assistance in the amount of more than KGS 15 million has already been provided by a number of our partner countries - Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Turkey, the USA, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Belgium and others. In addition, assistance is provided by consuls of foreign countries and foreign companies in the Kyrgyz Republic. A number of international foundations, charity organizations also provided their support,” Niyazaliev said.

More than 50 thousand gloves, 280 thousand masks, 3 thousand protective suits, 4 ventilators, 40 thousand express tests and 32 thousand reagents were delivered to the country.

“25 thousand test systems and reagents were requested through Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation, some of which have already been received. A large amount of personal protective equipment was received from the Central Government of China, XUAR of the PRC. In addition, the humanitarian aid was provided on behalf of the Alibaba Fund in the amount of RMB 1.8 million, including delivery costs,” said the first deputy minister.

Funds allocated and under consideration:

The International Monetary Fund - USD 220 million;

The German government through GIZ - a grant in the amount of EUR 550 thousand;

The Islamic Development Bank – USD 11 million;

The World Bank emergency response for Kyrgyzstan - USD 12 million;

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering allocating about USD 100-150 million.

Niyazaliev added that the ADB leadership approved emergency assistance in the amount of USD 200 thousand for the purchase of medicines and equipment. They will also provide additional grants and loans to fill the funding gap, strengthen the health system and increase its ability to respond to the pandemic.