Switzerland enhances public awareness on prevention against COVID-19 in Kyrgyzstan

Local news, 19.05.2020

The Government of Switzerland through the Swiss project “Effective Management and Prevention of Non Communicable Diseases in Kyrgyzstan” is contributing to improve public awareness on preventive measures against COVID-19.

Video fragment © Swiss project "“Effective Management and Prevention of Non Communicable Diseases in Kyrgyzstan", 2020

 

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

Local news, 22.05.2020

To respond to the socio-economic risks arising from the spread of the coronavirus in the region, fodder seeds and fertilizers as well as individual protection materials were provided to farmers and veterinarians in Naryn oblast of Kyrgyzstan.

Delivery of humanitarian aid © Aga Khan Foundation, 2020

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.