Switzerland allocates more than CHF 5 million for health improvement of population in Kyrgyzstan

Local news, 20.07.2022

On July 19, 2022, the Acting Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic ­­­Zharkynbek Kasymbekov and the Swiss Ambassador Olivier Bangerter signed an agreement for Phase II of the Swiss project to prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases. 

Swiss Ambassador Mr.Olivier Bangerter and Acting Minister of Health Mr.Zharkynbek Kasymbekov are shaking hands © Swiss Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, 2022.

In Kyrgyzstan, the noncommunicable diseases are the main cause of disability, morbidity, and premature mortality. According to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2020, cardiovascular diseases were a major reason of mortality, making up 52% of all death cases in the country, while cancer occupied second place (10.8%) followed by respiratory diseases (6.9%). Unhealthy diet (in particular, high salt intake, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables), tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and lack of physical activity are the most common preventable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. 

Since 2018, the Swiss project called "Effective Management and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases in Kyrgyzstan" has been strengthening the primary health care system and promoting healthier lifestyle of people. To continue this support in Kyrgyzstan, the Swiss Government has allocated additional funding for more than CHF 5 million to phase II of the project. 

With the continued support of the Ministry of Health the work will be implemented by a consortium of organizations composed of Public Association "Healthy Future" (Kyrgyzstan), "GFA Consulting Group GmbH" (Germany), and "Euro Health Group" (Denmark).

During 4 years, the project will be covering Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan as well as Osh and Bishkek cities. 

Local news, 28.10.2022

On October 27, the opening ceremony of the Altyn Balalyk kindergarten in Issyk-Ata rayon of Chui province took place following its retrofitting.

Opening ceremony of the kindergarten in Issyk-Ata rayon, Kyrgyzstan © Swiss Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, 2022.

The Swiss Ambassador Olivier Bangerter, the Country Manager of the World Bank Naveed Hassan Naqvi, the Executive Director of the Community Development and Investment Agency (АRIS) Mars Naspekov and other participants inaugurated the renovated kindergarten. 

The facility has been renovated in the frame of the “Heat Supply Improvement Project" implemented by ARIS and financed by the International Development Association and the Government of Switzerland.

To improve energy efficiency in the building, the following construction and installation works were carried out: thermal insulation was done, seismic stability reinforced, old windows and doors replaced with energy-efficient ones, heating system upgraded and electrical ceramic radiators installed, electrical wiring replaced, energy-efficient LED lamps installed, ventilation system improved and recuperators installed.

Main efficiency gain of the performed activities is a 40% decrease in the electricity consumption and higher level of comfort for 170 children and personnel of the facility. 

The project intends to demonstrate benefits of the energy efficiency in 21 municipal public buildings in all oblasts of the country leading to essential electricity savings - up to 40% per building, implying more efficient use of energy resources and reduction of the heating costs.