The project since April 2020 has achieved the following:  

• 400’000 persons living in rural municipalities were informed on preventive measures against COVID-19. The project jointly with Association of Village Health Committees created WhatsApp groups to disseminate information on preventive measures on COVID-19.  

• 8’000 persons contributed to an online survey on public awareness on COVID-19 and protective measures. This information is being used to adjust the communication strategy. More than half of respondents answered that they need additional information on coronavirus infection.

• Patients with diabetes, who belong to the most at risk group, were briefed on how to protect themselves against COVID-19. The project worked with the Endocrinology Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and created a special online platform to help patients with diabetes. Clinical protocols on COVID-19 for family doctors were printed and disseminated.  

• National and regional TV channels broadcasted TV programs on COVID-19 and protection measures for high-risk patients who suffered from a non-communicable disease. 

   

  All video materials of the project in Kyrgyz.

   

  Facebook page of the project

The allocated funds were used to provide basic food and hygiene products for the vulnerable groups of population in partner municipalities, including people who have lost their source of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has put thousands of people at risk, especially vulnerable groups, large families, and those left without income sources. That is why the help from the Public Service Improvement project is very timely and necessary,” said Akmoldoev Baktybek, Head of the Oktyabr municipality of the Aksuu district.

The representatives of local self-governments, together with district departments for social protection, prepared the lists of families who are the most in need of assistance and a list of necessary essential products. In order to ensure a safe distribution, the local governments are cooperating with local health committees and other organizations

“We are a large family with five children. Because of the coronavirus, my husband does not have a job right now, and therefore we were in urgent need for food. We express our deep gratitude on behalf of our family to our Ayil-Okmotu, the Swiss Government and Swiss project for the provided support,” said Nurzat Tologonova, a resident of Maman village of Aksuu district.

Municipalities engaged at the frontlines continue to provide support to the population and are making significant efforts to prevent further spreading of COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Public Service Improvement project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Helvetas Kyrgyzstan and Development Policy Institute.

The Public Service Improvement project improves living conditions of people in rural areas through improved quality of and access to public services provided by municipalities.