This humanitarian aid was transferred as part of the project “Emergency support to the livestock sector in Naryn and At-Bashy districts of Naryn oblast” supported by the Government of Switzerland and the Aga Khan Foundation in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The project in cooperation with local authorities provides support to more than 300 vulnerable farmer households of Naryn and At-Bashy districts of Naryn oblast. The farmers received 40 tons of barley seeds, 8 tons of sainfoin seeds and 10 tons of the ammophos fertilizer to grow fodder crops on 260 hectares and to support self-sustainability of farmers during the crisis period.

Since livestock is a key source of income in Naryn region, veterinarians of these areas have also been provided with personal protective equipment to allow safe working conditions. The equipment included 100 pieces of medical respiratory masks, 700 pairs of gloves and 100 pieces of protective goggles. This assistance was delivered through the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety Directorate of At-Bashy and Naryn districts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the socio-economic situation of farmers and the key response was to provide timely support during sowing season. These measures will allow people in vulnerable situation to continue working, safe vaccination of their livestock and support food security situation in the region.

During the delivery of humanitarian aid all sanitary precautionary measures were ensured.

This support in the amount of more than 3 million Kyrgyz soms has been provided within the framework of the Swiss funded project “Effective Management and Prevention on Noncommunicable Diseases in Kyrgyzstan”. The project has purchased the necessary personal protective equipment and other medical supplies in the following amount: 

• Protective anti-epidemic suit – 2020;

• Medical disposable robe – 1335;

• Medical Disposable Mask – 6000;

• Protective glasses – 400;

• Respirator for protection against suspended matter – 99;

• Filters for respirators – 490;

• Examination gloves – 9700;

• Disposable spatula - 24100;

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, 65 ml bottle – 2980;

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, 900 ml bottle – 100;

• Biohazardous waste sack – 2900;

• Pulse oximeter – 30.

According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 virus is transmitted between people through close contact and droplet transmission. The people most at risk of infection are those who are in close contact with a COVID-19 patient or who care for COVID-19 patients.

Personal protective equipment protects healthcare workers and prevent infection transmission in healthcare facilities. The Swiss funded project ensures the effective control of coronavirus infection by providing vital personal protective equipment and other medical essential supplies to health workers.

Switzerland encourages citizens to stay at home to help health facilities reduce the burden.