Kyrgyz Gov't, UNDP discuss preparedness for third wave of COVID-19

Bishkek, April 15, 2021. / Kabar /. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Artem Novikov met on Thursday with UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic and UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Louise Chamberlain, the press service of the Kyrgyz Government reported.

"We have many joint projects that need to be implemented. Under the projects considered by the UN system, serious initiatives are laid down, first of all, support to the government in the implementation of the Post-Disaster Recovery Plan. In addition, projects to support the government in preparedness for a possible third wave of the coronavirus pandemic will be considered in the near future.

We express our gratitude to all the UN institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic for their support in the implementation of important and necessary projects in the country, which contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," said Artem Novikov.

Louise Chamberlain informed that in light of the new COVID-19 wave, they intend to focus on three important challenges.

"The first is the issue regarding vaccines and vaccination, the second is the preparedness of the system of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic to respond, and the third is social protection. According to our observations, the speed of the third wave of coronavirus infection in the country is rapidly gaining momentum. Already now we need to take the necessary measures to prevent the risks and spread of this disease".

The sides discussed joint measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kyrgyzstan, as well as joint efforts of the Government and international partners to inform the population, supply medicines, vaccinate the population and coordinate the issues of epidemiological risks during the third wave of COVID-19.

"The government has made certain conclusions after 2020, when the domestic health-care system was not ready for the sharp spread of the epidemic in the country. Over 11 thousand beds will be deployed, reserves of medical specialists will be involved, as well as necessary equipment, means of protection, taking into account the emerging situation on the spread of the disease in the country," the first deputy prime minister of the Republic Artem Novikov said.

In the near future, joint action plans will be prepared in all relevant areas, including social protection of citizens.