Deputy FM of Kyrgyzstan and WHO Rep discuss priority areas of cooperation in healthcare

Bishkek, May 31. 2022. Kabar /. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Dinara Kemelova met yesterday with representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Kyrgyz Republic Nazira Artykova.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, during the meeting, Kemelova thanked Artykova for providing significant assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic in the healthcare sector, as well as assistance in the fight against COVID-19.

The sides discussed the main priority areas in the field of healthcare in Kyrgyzstan within the framework of the Biennial Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the WHO Regional Office for Europe for 2022-2023, as well as the implementation of project activities, which are carried out in 5 areas: communicable and non-communicable diseases, health promotion , health care system, pandemic response, including epidemiological surveillance.

Artykova informed about the activities of WHO and assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic in the amount of about 55 million US dollars in strengthening primary health care with the support of the World Bank, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the German Development Bank. In addition, she said that WHO is providing assistance in purchasing equipment and medicines for the country's medical institutions.

The WHO representative in the Kyrgyz Republic noted the need for further vaccination of the population due to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has not been completely defeated throughout the world.

In turn, Kemelova asked to consider the possibility of expanding WHO project activities in the country, providing assistance to vulnerable segments of the population, including children suffering from serious diseases, including cancer, as well as strengthening the capacity of medical institutions and equipping hospitals located in the regions with medical equipment.

In conclusion, the sides confirmed their readiness to continue further fruitful cooperation.