On March 10, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic between Minister Damir Osmonov and Samman Jung Tapa, the UNICEF representative in the country. This was reported by the ministry's press service.
During the conversation, important aspects of cooperation in the field of maternal and child health, primary healthcare, immunization, and the implementation of digital technologies in the healthcare system were discussed.
The minister expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its long-standing support and partnership with the Ministry of Health, as well as for its assistance in improving child health. "Our joint work has led to significant achievements. Over the past decades, child mortality in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by 73 percent. According to a comprehensive multi-indicator survey conducted in 2023 with the support of our partners, including UNICEF, the mortality rate for children under five has decreased from 20 to 16.5 per 1,000 live births over the past five years," noted Damir Osmonov.
The minister emphasized the importance of UNICEF's contribution to the development of primary healthcare and support for services for pregnant women, newborns, and children, as well as in the development of modern medical standards.
The minister also noted that UNICEF actively supports the area of pharmaceutical provision. He reported that the Ministry of Health has already begun purchasing medications through UNICEF and plans to expand this area in the future.
The discussion also raised issues of strengthening the immunization system, including joint work to increase vaccination coverage and develop a national vaccine management system.
Prospects for the development of telemedicine through the Telemed.kg platform were also discussed, which will help improve access for the population to specialist consultations, especially in remote areas.
As part of supporting the digitalization of primary healthcare, UNICEF handed over 247 tablets that will be used by healthcare workers to provide remote consultations and enhance the accessibility of medical services.
The minister emphasized that further cooperation with UNICEF will contribute to strengthening the healthcare system and improving the health of children and families in Kyrgyzstan.
The parties confirmed their readiness to continue working in the areas of developing primary healthcare, expanding immunization programs, and implementing digital solutions to enhance the accessibility of medical services.
