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Speech
04 November 2024
Statement of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Antje Grawe, on the occasion of the National Development Forum
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Speech
29 October 2024
Opening Remarks of the UN Resident Coordinator at the National Workshop on SDG Data Analysis in Support of the VNR Preparation in Kyrgyzstan
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Speech
28 October 2024
Opening Statement UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Antje Grawe, on the Occasion of UN Day in Kyrgyzstan
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Kyrgyz Republic
The UN and its partners in Kyrgyzstan are working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice for development that works for all people. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important to act in cooperation.
Press Release
22 September 2024
Inclusive Museum Initiative creates an accessible and inclusive environment at the National History Museum of Kyrgyzstan
The "Inclusive Museum" initiative, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic, has revealed a comprehensive roadmap aimed at making cultural spaces in Kyrgyzstan more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. Over the course of the initiative, from May to September 2024, international experts conducted complex assessment of the national legislation and National Historical Museum’s policies, infrastructure, services, and communication systems to evaluate their inclusivity and accessibility. These findings formed the foundation of several key strategic documents, including concept notes, communication strategy, roadmap, and catalog of solutions that outline how the museum—and other cultural institutions—can be more welcoming to all visitors. Following the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us”, the assessment was conducted with the participation of persons with various disabilities, museum staff, and expert community. “The importance of this initiative goes far beyond a single museum. The inclusive museum will be an important step towards the creation of broad inclusion not only for our institution, but also for all cultural organizations of the republic. We are confident that the successful experience we are accumulating through this project will serve as a model for other museums, libraries, theaters, and cultural centers. This project demonstrates that inclusion is not just an achievement, it is a process that requires a systematic approach, involvement of all stakeholders and continuous improvement,” – said Baktybek Sekimov, Advisor to the Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic. Key strategic documents have been validated by national stakeholders and presented to the public, including the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare, and Migration, the Council for Persons with Disabilities under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as representatives of international and local public organizations and museum community. “We are confident that openness and accessibility of museums in Kyrgyzstan will contribute to diversity, sustainability, and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of society,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.“At today's event organized by UNDP, I emphasized a few new things for me, and the ideas discussed were very good. The most important thing is that it should not remain on paper, we need to work with specialized ministries and agencies. It is necessary to implement and integrate these ideas into real life so that our museums throughout the Kyrgyz Republic become accessible,” – said Iskender Sultanaliev, Head of the Phenomenon Public Foundation that supports the potential of visually impaired people. The “Inclusive Museum” initiative has risen the importance of comprehensive and systemic approach toward assessment of cultural institutions’ inclusiveness as well as unveil opportunities for revising legislation and policies, rethinking the concept of universal design and accessibility. UNDP encourages everyone to join forces to create a more inclusive, open and equitable society, and thus improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and enable them to live independent and fulfilling lives. About the initiative “Inclusive Museum” is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme and the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic to assess the accessible environment of the Museum to develop recommendations for creating an inclusive environment and making the museum accessible to persons with various disabilities.For media inquiries please refer to Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Communications Officer, at ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org.
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Press Release
20 September 2024
UN expert on rights of persons with disabilities to visit Kyrgyzstan
The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Heba Hagrass, will conduct an official visit to Kyrgyzstan from 23 September to 3 October 2024.Hagrass will examine laws, policies and measures the Government is taking to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the country. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Government.The expert will travel to Bishkek, Osh, Tokmok, and other areas to meet with Government authorities, national human rights institutions, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, civil society, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.She will also visit institutions for people with disabilities, including for children, and establishments providing services for persons with disabilities. The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conferenceon Thursday 3 October at 11.30 a.m. local time at the UN House in Bishkek, 160 Chui Avenue. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.The expert will present her report to the Human Rights Council in March 2025.***Heba Hagrass (Egypt) is the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, appointed by the Human Rights Council in October 2023. A sociologist by training, she is an advocate, an international disability consultant, and a researcher on the rights of persons with disabilities with an extensive experience in Egypt, the Arab Region, and worldwide. She was notably a representative of women with disabilities that participated in the drafting of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Egypt, Ms. Hagrass promoted the rights of persons with disabilities in legislative reforms as Member of Parliament between 2015 and 2020 and served as the Secretary General of the National Council for Disability Affairs. She is a founding member of the Arab Organization of Disabled People where she was active between 1998 and 2008, including as the head of its Women’s Affairs Committee.The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. UN Human Rights country page: KyrgyzstanFor media enquiries and additional information, please contact Barbora Zamrska at barbora.zamrska@un.org; hrc-sr-disability@un.org or Aiperi Alymbekova aiperi.alymbekova@un.org (Bishkek). For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts, please contact Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) or John Newland (john.newland@un.org).Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.
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Press Release
16 September 2024
Five maternity hospitals received equipment to improve the quality of services for pregnant women, mothers and newborns
A ceremony of handing over equipment at the Perinatal Center of the National Center for Maternity and Child Protection, organized by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on 12 September 2024, has become another contribution and a significant step towards improving maternal health. As part of the quality improvement project, this initiative is designed to reduce preventable severe maternal morbidity in the country. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the First Deputy Minister of Health, Meder Ismailov, who noted in his speech: “This project is very important for the country, as it is aimed at reducing preventable maternal morbidity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of India for this support and UNFPA for implementing this project, and I wish my colleagues good results in implementing this vital project.”The equipment was handed over as part of a project funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. It aims to improve access to quality medical services through the use of the Obstetric Surveillance and Response System (OSRS) and teleconsultations in five pilot maternity hospitals in Kyrgyzstan.“It is a great honor for me to be a part of this event as well as a project related to the health of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic. Health is the most important value in life, and when it comes to mothers, the issue becomes paramount. And when we invest in the health of a mother, we invest not only in the health of one person, but also in the health of her children, her loved ones and, accordingly, the whole society. Such health-related costs become not expenses, but investments. And when we invest in the health of the population, we contribute to the development of the country itself,” said Mr. Mohan Singh, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of India in the Kyrgyz Republic. During the ceremony, which was timed to coincide with the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, a wide range of necessary equipment was handed over, emphasizing the universal desire to strengthen the health of mothers and newborns. Among the gifts were 40 tablets for monitoring the process of childbirth and providing assistance to pregnant women and newborns during labor and delivery in real time, and 21 computers for the introduction of telemedicine and teleconsultations in real time in case of urgent obstetric conditions.In addition, in order to automate the process of issuing birth certificates and integrate the service on the State Portal of Electronic Services, computers will be installed in pilot maternity hospitals as an important step in improving the quality of public services and simplifying procedures for citizens. This will allow parents to issue birth certificates for their children online while still in maternity hospitals, which will significantly speed up the process of obtaining a document and reduce the need to visit government agencies.With mentioned solutions, the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic seeks to create more convenient and efficient conditions for citizens, simplifying bureaucratic processes and reducing the time spent on obtaining important documents. In addition to technical equipment, 100 power banks, 100 blankets for low-weight and premature newborns to maintain and preserve the thermal chain, 100 elbow dispensers for organizing work taking into account infection control, and 100 pairs of closed shoes for surgical medical personnel for use in operating rooms and sterile zones, as an important element of professional uniforms in order to comply with hygiene and sanitary safety standards, will be delivered to five maternity hospitals of the secondary and tertiary levels, namely Osh Interregional United Clinical Hospital, Jalal-Abad United Clinical Hospital, Issyk-Kul and Chui Regional United Hospital and the Perinatal Center of the National Center for Maternity and Child Protection.This comprehensive initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to improving maternal health in Kyrgyzstan. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, it demonstrates the commitment of all involved partners to ensuring the safety and well-being of women and newborns across the country.
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Speech
12 August 2024
Statement of UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Antje Grawe, on the occasion of International Youth Day
While I regret that I cannot be with you in person to celebrate the energy, creativity, and potential of young people in Kyrgyzstan and around the world, I am very much honored to send this celebratory message. Since its establishment by the UN General Assembly in 1999, International Youth Day on 12 August highlights youth issues and their crucial role in global society.This year’s International Youth Day is particularly special for several reasons:This year’s theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Kyrgyzstan and globally, young people are using digital tools to address local and global challenges and “turn clicks into progress” (UN Secretary-General, António Guterres).Given the current state of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering youth is essential. As the Secretary-General stated on the occasion, achieving the SDGs requires a seismic shift that can only happen by empowering young people and working with them as equals. This includes bridging digital divides, boosting education investments, tackling gender biases in the tech industry, and supporting young innovators in expanding digital solutions.Youth empowerment and participation are central to this year’s Summit of the Future, convened by the UN Secretary-General in New York on 22 and 23 September at the level of Heads of States, including President Japarov. The Summit is an opportunity to build global problem-solving mechanisms that are more networked and inclusive, with youth being given a key role. The Secretary-General has called on global leaders to use the Summit to advance youth participation at every level, establish youth consultative bodies, promote intergenerational dialogue and scale up funding opportunities for young people everywhere.Where else could this call resonate more than here in Kyrgyzstan, where young people make up nearly one-third of the population and are demonstrating daily how vital their fresh perspectives and innovative solutions are in advancing inclusive social and economic development and addressing challenges like climate change, environmental protection, social justice, health or education.Let’s use this year’s International Youth Day and today’s event as a building block towards the Summit’s promise of greater youth participation in decision-making that shapes their future, and commit to investing in young people's potential.By providing tools, resources, and opportunities, we can harness their energy and creativity for sustainable development and a better future for all.The United Nations in Kyrgyzstan supports youth empowerment through initiatives like the Youth Advisory Board to the UN Country Team, which gives young people a voice in shaping the UN’s partnership with Kyrgyzstan to advance the SDGs. We will also continue investing in health, education reforms, employment, the creative industries, and digital literacy, among other, crucial for sustainable economy and inclusive and equitable development. Chon Rahmat.
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Video
10 September 2024
Access to Markets Project: Artificial glaciers
The engineers have come up with an effective way to conserve freshwater - building artificial glaciers. Artificial glaciers not only provide better access to drinking water, but also improve pasture rotation, improve microclimate and increase soil moisture, reduce pressure on pastures, help adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects.The Access to Markets Project helped the authors of this initiative to set up 11 artificial glaciers by procuring the necessary materials, funding construction and installation, and conducting trainings to disseminate the method. In total, the authors have implemented 30 projects in six regions of Kyrgyzstan. This video collection was prepared within the framework of the Access to Markets Project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).The Access to Markets Project (ATMP) is an IFAD-funded project of USD 31.2 million, which was approved in 2016 and will end in December 2024. It aims to raise incomes and enhance economic growth in Kyrgyzstan's pastoralist communities. Its development objective is the improved access and integration of smallholder livestock farmers into remunerative markets for their products, leading to improved and equitable returns.
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Story
22 September 2024
The story of the Mangyt village, where both women and men became champions of good changes
At the forefront of this movement is Muktaraly, a true champion of change. Muktaraly is one of the first members of the Yntymak self-help group, a local initiative aimed at empowering women and creating jobs. The group members, consisting mainly of women and local youth, underwent training and gained the necessary knowledge, which fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship.Muktaraly, along with his wife of nearly 40 years, seized this opportunity for growth and became a key driver behind the group's successes. Their efforts have led to several income-generating activities, including a sewing workshop, the production of biohumus, and the cultivation of potatoes and fruit trees. These projects have made a tangible difference, particularly with biohumus production, which has significantly increased their family's income."When we harvested our first crop of potatoes using biohumus, the taste was remarkable," Muktaraly explains. "That year, we produced one ton of potatoes from 100 kg of seeds, compared to our previous maximum of 700 kg. Having lived here my whole life, I could really taste the difference. We also donated 500 kg to vulnerable families in our village." The impact of the Yntymak group extended beyond local improvements; it fostered strong connections with neighboring communities in Uzbekistan. The group established partnerships with villages in the Namangan and Andijan regions, promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation in agriculture."Our relationships with our partners in Uzbekistan have strengthened," Muktaraly shares. "Through this project, we visited border villages and got to know one another."This cross-border cooperation has contributed to the introduction of improved apricot varieties and other agricultural innovations in the village of Mangyt, benefiting both Kyrgyz and Uzbek farmers.The project initiative has also led to noticeable changes in the gender dynamics of the community.Local men have begun to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women to economic growth, resulting in increased support and shared responsibilities at home. Discussions and training on family life have further enhanced understanding among family members in Mangyt. As Muktaraly points out, "Supporting women and working together helps us overcome challenges and achieve success. I’ve learned that when men and women collaborate, they develop respect for each other's contributions. True success in business and family life comes from shared responsibilities and cooperation, which helps break stereotypes about women."Muktaraly's wife opened a sewing workshop that has thrived, generating approximately 20,000 KGS ($234) per month from sales of kitchen essentials like "surpa" (fabrics for rolling out dough). This success has inspired other women to pursue sewing, contributing to the economic growth of their households and the village.Villagers refer to Muktaraly as a pioneer of change: "Change is possible when people unite for a common goal. Our commitment to the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities has contributed to the progress, and my belief in cooperation empowers every man and woman in Mangyt to be modern champions of positive change." The achievements of the Yntymak self-help group, guided by open-minded leaders like the Muktaraly, showcase the power of community initiatives. Through cross-border cooperation and sustainable practices, residents have not only improved their livelihoods and strengthened family relationships, but also contributed to a more equitable and prosperous future for their communities and two countries.***Initiated with the aim of strengthening partnership and cooperation between neighboring countries, the "Joint Prosperity through Cooperation in the Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan" project, supported by FAO and UNFPA and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has been implemented over 2.5 years by the Foundation for Tolerance International.45 self-help groups of 340 women and youth living in the border communities of Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan were established within the project. The main objective of the groups is to support and empower rural women and youth in these communities to strengthen their socio-economic life in the community. To increase the capacity of these self-help groups, 36 business projects were technically supported.
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Story
29 August 2024
How entrepreneurial determination of rural women strengthens social cohesion
“The trainings and events in which we participated empowered our village and became a motivation for our personal development. They left a deep impression on us and helped us to form ourselves into leaders of our own communities,” shared Kumushai, a resident of the village of Olon-Bulak, Kashka-Suu aiyl okmotu, Jalal-Abad region.Kumushai, a 46-year-old mother of five, participated in the training of self-help groups of the project implemented in Aksy, Ala-Buka and Aravan districts, and became one of the main participants and initiators of processes to strengthen social cohesion.These trainings, organized with the aim of expanding the rights and opportunities of rural women, supporting the special role of youth and women in peacebuilding, provided invaluable knowledge and information for personal growth and opportunities for self-sufficiency for women and young people.Kumushai, who believed that she could do her work around the house and at the same time make her dreams come true, shared: “I am the youngest daughter-in-law living with my parents-in-law. As the one who has always been responsible for doing all the household chores, and now, wanting to do business, attending trainings, I faced my mother-in-law's displeasure at first, that if guests came home, the duties would remain unfulfilled.”Determined to make a change in her life, Kumushai gained the skills of proper time management, and this desire - while fulfilling her household duties - allowed her to start implementing her initiatives. At one of the trainings she attended, the knowledge on reproductive health proved to be especially important and helped Kumushai bond with her teenage daughter: “My attitude towards growing daughters and sons has changed, because after so many years I started to communicate openly with them. First of all, I myself must understand my children well and be on their side,” Kumushai emphasized.However, Kumushai did not keep the useful information she received to herself. As the head of the parent committee of the village school, she shared knowledge about why it is important to teach boys and girls to take care of the reproductive health. In addition, Kumushai passed on the knowledge gained in small groups with neighboring women and girls.The trainings revived the entrepreneurial spirit of Kumushai. With the support of her mother-in-law, she initiated the opening of a beauty salon near their house, which also provided employment opportunities for local women.“Our small business has not only created jobs, but also strengthened women's sense of independence. Our rural women are now not only raising children and doing household chores, but also have their own personal money. Their mothers-in-law also understand and support them correctly,” Kumushai shared.The beauty salon of the village of Olon-Bulak began to provide modern hairdressing services. Kumushai emphasized the convenience and accessibility that the salon provides in the village: “We have hot and cold running water. VIllagers are also curious, sometimes they just come to watch our work. School teachers come to get their nails done, their hair done. Previously, for the sake of a haircut, our school children went to the city of Kerben, 25 km away. from the village. During this time, until their return, their families were worried, and a lot of money was spent on transportation,” she explained. In addition to the economic benefits of the new workplace, its social impact is also significant. Here they cut the hair of those families who care for relatives with disabilities for free, and make discounts for mothers with many children.Kumushai not only changed her life through determination, perseverance and tireless work, but also made lasting positive changes in the communities of the village in which she resides.“I clearly understood that if women are given education, inspiration, the necessary support and opportunities, then we can achieve everything we strive for,” Kumushai proves in words and deeds in her story. Her initiative helped to overcome traditional barriers, strengthen economic independence and social cohesion of rural communities.***Initiated with the aim of strengthening partnership and cooperation between neighboring countries, the project "Joint Prosperity through Cooperation in the Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan", with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has been implemented over 2.5 years by the Foundation for Tolerance International.45 self-help groups of 340 women and youth living in the border communities of Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan were established within the project. The main objective of the groups is to support and empower rural women and youth in these communities to strengthen their socio-economic life in the community. In order to increase the capacity of the self-help groups, 36 business projects were technically supported.
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Story
11 June 2024
How Accessible Healthcare Promotes Transforming Lives in Rural Kyrgyzstan
which was supported by the UK Government and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Kyrgyz Republic, had the dual objective of addressing urgent gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) needs. Reaching the Unreachable: Deploying Mobile Clinics UNFPA, with support from UK/CSSF, launched an initiative to provide healthcare services to women and girls affected by cross-border conflict in Batken. Over several months, UNFPA deployed mobile clinics, medical teams and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) providers to these areas, reaching over 4,500 women who had been cut off from basic health services. These mobile clinics, equipped with gynecologists, mammologists and other specialists including psychologists, became a lifeline for many.Lasting Impact and Government Commitment The success of the mobile clinics led to a sustained demand for their services. Recognising their value, the Batken government mobilized the Ministry of Health and Members of Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic to regularize the use of mobile clinics in border areas and among vulnerable groups. This initiative helped alleviate financial and social tensions and demonstrated the government's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Addressing the Mental Health Crisis In December 2023, the Batken Oblast government requested UNFPA's assistance in responding to a wave of suicides among women in the cross-border village of Andarak, where 10 women aged between 20-43 attempted to commit suicide within one year, half of them could not be saved (https://rus.azattyk.org/a/32743308.html). One of the main reasons for the suicides was mentioned as a domestic violence. Over the course of three days (from 29 February to 2 March), a team of doctors from the mobile clinic and psychologists were able to provide their services to 184 women and girls. A total of 142 women of reproductive age from 18 to 49 years old were examined. Of these, 40 were over 50 years old and overall:63 women had consulted a general practitioner, 61 women had consulted an obstetrician-gynecologist, 60 women had consulted a mammologist and oncologist,81 women had undergone an ultrasound examination, and 38 women received counseling from psychologists. In addition to the consultations, psychologists held a brief session for 60 high school students in the village of Andarak on the topic of "Prevention of family violence and early marriage". Bringing Up Community Voices The impact of this initiative was profound and far-reaching, touching the lives of many women in Batken and Leilek districts. Villagers expressed their gratitude for the accessible and compassionate care provided by the mobile clinics. A resident of Ak-Turpak said: "Today the mobile clinic arrived in our village. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the doctors, especially the gynecologist, who took the time to advise each woman with kindness and expertise. With skilled doctors like them, we can overcome and prevent many diseases.”Similarly, Asel Mamytova from Boz-Adyr village emphasized the convenience and quality of care: "Thank you for coming to Boz-Adyr! We no longer have to make long journeys to the capital for check-ups. It would be a real blessing if you could visit us regularly.”As well as providing essential health services, this initiative fostered a sense of community care and support. One resident said, "Before, our villagers used to travel to the capital for medical consultations. Women have not had access to healthcare services for years, because it's quite far to reach and the cost of appointments is a burden for us.” A Vision for the Future of the Rural Women and Girls We are optimistic that the demand and following overall community support to and success of this initiative will contribute to a healthier and more empowered future for every rural woman and girl in the rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. It demonstrates the potential of collaborative efforts to address urgent gender-based violence and SRH needs, and foster a sense of community and resilience. Joint efforts of the UNFPA and KFPA, supported by the UK Government have made a significant impact, demonstrating that with dedicated and compassionate support, no one is left behind. Prepared by Gulaiym ShigaibaevaPhotos provided by KFPA
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Story
03 June 2024
Timely and qualified obstetric care is the key to the health of the mother and newborn baby
loss of consciousness. Why is it important to seek medical attention immediately if these signs occur in pregnant women? ‘When a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and lower limb oedema, it is midwives who can play a key role in assistance. They can measure blood pressure and closely monitor the patient's condition, assessing for other symptoms such as headaches or visual changes that may indicate pre-eclampsia,” notes Alexei Klimashkin, an international trainer who has trained midwives from five secondary and tertiary obstetric organizations as part of a UN South-South Cooperation project implemented by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This project aims to reduce preventable maternal morbidity by accessing quality health services through the use of obstetric surveillance response and telemedicine in maternity hospitals. Pre-eclampsia occurs in 5% to 8% of pregnant women and is responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths worldwide each year, making it one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related mortality. As the expert shares, if any alarming symptoms are detected, midwives consult with a doctor to develop a further treatment plan: “Midwives can help women to lower blood pressure, advise on how to manage oedema and headaches, and provide additional advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. All these measures are aimed at reducing risks among mothers and babies and ensuring a safe pregnancy and delivery”. There are only 2,196 midwives in Kyrgyzstan, 90 percent of whom work in maternity hospitals providing reproductive and maternal health services. It is midwives who are the first to meet pregnant women at the maternity hospital. It is very important to correctly assess and diagnose severe pre-eclampsia and, as part of a multidisciplinary team, to initiate timely care. And as part of the project to provide quality reproductive and maternal health services, midwives improved their knowledge and skills at a three-day training for five pilot health care organizations, namely Osh Interregional Integrated Clinical Hospital, Jalal-Abad Regional Clinical Hospital, Issyk-Kul and Chui Regional Integrated Hospitals and the Perinatal Centre of the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health in Bishkek, with the participation of an international expert. One of the training participants, Elnura Kubanychbekova, a midwife at the Maternity Hospital of Jalal-Abad Regional Clinical Hospital, noted that following the competencies is primarily about improving the quality of midwives' work, improving services for patients, and protecting the rights of medical staff. Regular participation in educational seminars, trainings and conferences will help keeping up to date with the latest advances and techniques in midwifery: “Midwives in Kyrgyzstan are striving for professional growth and development. And it is important to support the aspiration to study modern scientific research, and the introduction of evidence-based medicine into practice will improve the quality of care provided. Then the labor of midwives will be rewarded by the gratitude of patients and the respect of colleagues,” Alexei Klimashkin shares his opinion. Through the training, midwives were able to improve their knowledge and skills both in theory on national midwifery competencies in midwifery, neonatology, public health and ethics, which form the basis of high quality, culturally relevant and appropriate care for women and newborns, and through simulation sessions on prevention of hemorrhage after delivery, management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. It is important to note that the second and third days of training were conducted by the midwives themselves, trained by an international expert. This means that each health care organization now has a trained trainer (five in total) to conduct regular on-the-job training on prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia before referral to hospital. At the end of the training, the international expert shared his positive impressions of working with midwives in Kyrgyzstan: ‘They are true professionals who demonstrate a deep commitment to their work every day, care for patients and willingness to work with limited resources. Their strengths include a high level of empathy, the ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations, and a commitment to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for women during pregnancy and labor’. Written by: Gulaiym Shigaibaeva <shigaibaeva@unfpa.org>
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Story
07 May 2024
Meerim Suranbay kyzy: “Every woman in labor is like my own sister and I understand that the only thing she wants is to safely cuddle her newborn”
all women in labor will be satisfied if they are treated with warmth, and then a sense of trust will emerge. As well as kind words, I also bring them tea and water and make sure that every woman in our labor ward feels safe like home”. As a child, Meerim Suranbay kyzy was very much interested in learning English, but after graduating from the ninth grade she was enrolled into the medical college on the advice of her sister, a computer programmer, who kept washing and ironing Meerim's medical gowns whole first year of her study. After the second year of her studies, Meerim got an internship at the Osh Regional Clinical Hospital, where her love for medicine grew: ‘Here I realized that I had made the right choice, and from that day on all my attention was focused on medicine. To this day I am grateful to my sister's advice, because in this profession I found true friends and a professional team of like-minded people. No matter what task we face, we will definitely fulfill it. And thanks to my knowledge of English, I had no difficulties with learning program software and using a computer in my work’. As in all maternity hospitals, Meerim used to fill out the labor history on paper and often stayed at work even after the end of her shift to fill it out by hand. But with the introduction of the electronic card of the patient, which includes the patient's admission, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, Meerim, a midwife, and all her colleagues in Kyrgyzstan will be able to improve digital medical record keeping for quality based maternal and newborn health management. “It was difficult for us at first when we just started digitizing midwifery records and notes, but now we can fill everything in from a computer, tablet or even from our mobile phones. There used to be such a clear divide between professions, but now even doctors are becoming IT specialists of sorts! I understand and welcome this demand of the current times, as it helps our work and increases digital literacy among my colleagues”. As Meerim shared, by entering only the PIN of the woman in labor in the reception department of the maternity unit, her electronic card will display all her previous visits to various doctors, their conclusions and treatment. In other words, the whole picture of a woman's health can be seen at a glance, which can simplify the work of the reception department. “The time freed up from clerical paper work we can use to spend more time with women in the labor ward. What do women need during labor? They need our support. Pregnant women are afraid and don't want to stay alone, but when I am with them, they feel calmer and more at ease, and the labor is easier in such conditions. Every woman in labor I perceive as my own sister, I understand that the only thing she wants is to safely cuddle her newborn, whom she has been carrying for nine months. At such moments, I can truly feel her complete trust in me,’ Meerim shares her sincere thoughts. Emerging digitalisation will make working in maternity hospitals much easier, but the greatest value for Meerim is the mutual respect and support of her colleagues: “There has never been any shame in asking for help - I help my younger colleagues and the elder midwives share their valuable experience with me. I realize that over time robots will replace the functions of many professionals, but I don't think ten robots working together can compare to the love and care of one midwife”. Meerim and her colleagues often received job offers from private clinics, but they did not accept and stayed working at the Osh Regional Clinical Hospital: ‘We all know that private organizations would have provided us with more money, stable and fixed working hours. But my work has shaped me, it is where I became the Meerim I am today. I am always supported by the faith of my colleagues, trust of my patients, and the love for my work. It can be called Motherland love, can't it? And whenever I walk around the city with my husband, very often women stop me and greet me with the warm words ‘You remember me, you helped me to deliver my child, don't you?’.Meerim's husband is happy to hear such words, because he always supports her, as he knows his wife’s commitment and responsibility: “He fully understands that at home we are married with three children, but at my work in the maternity hospital I become a second mum to many new citizens of Kyrgyzstan every day”. *** Meerim Suranbay kyzy together with other obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists and neonatal nurses actively participated in the training to improve their knowledge and skills on technical and clinical aspects of completing and using the electronic card of the patient , which included obstetric and neonatal parts. Electronic cards of the patient are promoted in Kyrgyzstan as means to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare systems through midwives’ engagement. During the months of April and May 2024, the processes of training and implementation of the electronic card of the patient are taking place in five obstetric institutions at secondary and the tertiary level, namely Osh Interregional United Clinical Hospital, Jalal-Abad United Clinical Hospital, Issyk-Kul and Chui Regional United Hospitals and the Perinatal Centre of the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health in Bishkek. Training and implementation of electronic card of the patient are conducted within the framework of the UN South-South Cooperation project aimed at reducing preventable maternal morbidity through access to quality health services through the use of obstetric surveillance response system and teleconsultation in maternity hospitals. The project is supported and implemented by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the UN Population Fund. Written by: Gulaiym Shigaibaeva <shigaibaeva@unfpa.org>
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Press Release
18 October 2024
“Right to foods for a better life and a better future”: Kyrgyzstan celebrates World Food Day with several events.
To celebrate World Food Day in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K. I. Skryabin, organized an exhibition on innovations in agriculture and held a quiz for the university's students on the topic of food security.Farmers around the world produce enough food to feed more than the global population, yet, hunger persists. Around 733 million people are facing hunger in the world due to repeated weather shocks, conflicts, economic downturns, inequality, and the pandemic. Additionally, over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet. Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, which now exist in most countries, cutting across socio-economic classes."Unless everyone has access to the right to adequate food, we will not be able to realise other rights and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. ‘It is possible to change the situation by transforming agri-food systems. Innovation and modern technology offer great opportunities to mitigate climate change and support inclusive and resilient livelihoods for all." FAO provides technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic on policy and legislation, strengthening regulatory and monitoring mechanisms, capacity development, and multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at transforming agri-food systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and quality of life.“Food insecurity and malnutrition are exacerbated by protracted crises that are driven by a combination of extreme weather events and economic shocks,” Kojiro Nakai, Representative and Country Director of the UN WFP in the Kyrgyz Republic. “WFP, together with the Government and partners, has been strengthening the capacities of food insecure people and of national social protection systems through developing human capitals, creating community assets, and managing disaster risks.”The UN WFP and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic continue their efforts to support smallholder farmers and vulnerable individuals in strengthening food systems, adapting to climate change, and ensuring equal access to nutritious food. Through targeted assistance, WFP aims to provide vulnerable communities with food, develop livelihood skills, and to create jobs for income-generation. Several awareness-raising events in the Kyrgyz Republic, on the occasion of World Food Day, are promoting dialogue and discussion on issues such as combating inequality, the prevalence of healthy food, reducing food waste, and protecting the environment.The exhibition, which opened on 16 October in the main building of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University, showcased modern agricultural technologies and innovative solutions for agriculture, including scientific developments from the university. Rysbek Nurgaziev, Rector of the University, noted that one of the key elements of agricultural development is the use of innovations. "We should promote the integration of scientific research and innovative solutions into the practical activities of farmers and agricultural enterprises," he emphasised. "This may include the introduction of modern agricultural methods, the development of new plant varieties, the improvement of animal genetics, and the advancement of digital technologies for agriculture."In addition, a quiz was organized for the students of the Agrarian University, with 5 teams representing all faculties of the university taking part. The participants had to answer questions on topics such as food safety, healthy nutrition, and other related subjects.World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16 and coincides with the founding day of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which was established in 1945. This year, the theme is "Right to foods for a better life and a better future” to once again reiterating that food must be diverse, nutritious, accessible, and safe. There should be more diverse and nutritious food in our fields, markets, and on our tables - for the benefit of all. For more information, please contact:Evgeniy Pechurin, FAO Kyrgyz Republic, Mobile: +996550838089, e-mail: evgeniy.pechurin@fao.orgAlmaz Tchoroev, WFP Kyrgyz Republic, Mobile: +996550577597, e-mail: almaz.tchoroev@wfp.org
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Press Release
03 October 2024
United Nations Launches Joint Digital Health Programme in Kyrgyzstan
The Joint Programme, funded through the UN SDG Fund with contributions from the European Union, Spain and Sweden and implemented under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator by WHO, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, aims to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s digital health system, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups in rural and remote areas, ensuring everyone can access quality healthcare.With a total budget of $4.03 million, the Joint Programme will run from 2024 to 2027, focusing on upgrading digital health systems, enhancing government e-services, and expanding telemedicine to reach underserved communities. One of the key features of the Programme is the enhancement of a Digital Health Profile, giving citizens access to their health information. This includes connecting three million vaccination records to a national electronic health records (EHR) platform. This will enable around 225,000 children under one year old to receive important immunizations. Furthermore, at least 200,000 individuals will have the ability to view their laboratory test results online, which will save time to receive needed healthcare. The project also focuses on supporting vulnerable groups. Around 120,000 people with disabilities will receive digital disability certificates, and 280,000 people will have access to digital sick leave certificates, improving their ability to get the services they need.Telemedicine will be expanded, providing access to medical consultations for over 700,000 children aged 0-14 through a digital platform. Additionally, 60 health facilities will offer specialized care to approximately 140,000 mothers and newborns, all linked to the EHR platform. Deputy Minister for Digital Development Bakyt Dzhangaziev stated, “This digital health initiative is a major step forward for Kyrgyzstan. By improving access to critical health information, we can make healthcare more effective and improve outcomes for everyone.” Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted, “Digital technologies are transforming our world, unlocking immense opportunities for societies and the planet. The Global Digital Compact, adopted by world leaders at the Summit of the Future last week, is a commitment to bridge the digital divide, advance the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind. In support of this global vision, the United Nations in Kyrgyzstan is launching this Joint Programme to boost access to health services through digital tools, with a focus on vulnerable groups, children and rural areas across the Kyrgyz Republic.”
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Press Release
04 October 2024
United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance
Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countries’ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.“The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,” said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including:Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy.Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to:Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.Summit ProcessThe Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future Attachments: Pact for the Future (English, Russian)
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Press Release
29 September 2024
Pre-COP29 Regional Conference: “Adaptation Planning and Financing in Central Asia: The Road to COP29”
This event became an important platform for discussing key issues of regional cooperation aimed at strengthening the efforts of Central Asian countries in combating climate challenges. One of the main objectives of the conference wasto discuss the common vision and positions of the Central Asian countries before the key negotiations to be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan, Baku. Based on the results of the UN Global Inventory on Climate Change 2023, the UNFCCC called on all countries to develop and implement national adaptation plans by the end of 2025, and to make significant progress in their implementation by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are at various stages of developing their national adaptation plans. At this conference, it was noted that the priority areas of adaptation for the region are agriculture, energy, construction, health, tourism, biodiversity, emergency response, etc.“As climate change worsens, effective national and regional adaptation plans are essential for communities. However, these plans need sufficient financial resources. COP29 offers a crucial opportunity to prioritize adaptation and secure funding.” – said Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic. “Strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration on climate change adaptation will help strengthen the position of Central Asian countries, highlighting our solidarity and shared commitment to addressing climate challenges,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. Regional climate risks are becoming increasingly apparent in Central Asia, where climate change is already having a significant impact on socio-economic development. According to the representative of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, Central Asia faces cross-border climate risks due to its geographical location, which requires joint actions and coordination at the regional level. “We must demand action – coordinated, well-funded and global. Adaptation and resilience are key to our survival,” - said Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair Cabinet of Ministers. Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, said: “We are finalizing the National Adaptation Plan, which includes detailed sectoral adaptation plans to ensure that our economy, agriculture, water resources and population are prepared for the impacts of climate change. This plan is vital for Kyrgyzstan, where mountain ecosystems are particularly vulnerable.” Dinara Ashimova, Member of Parliament: “We need to ensure that financing mechanisms are in place to support adaptation measures in agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction.”The conference brought together representatives of five Central Asian countries, international organizations, and world experts. Participants included UNFCCC national contact persons, representatives of international climate finance, experts on adaptation and climate finance from various ministries and national institutions, as well as representatives of civil society. The event was also attended by global experts from international organizations and independentх technicalх experts.The conference became a platform for sharing experiences and discussing climate finance opportunities at the national, regional, and global levels. One of the key objectives of the event was to build a common Central Asian position ahead of the COP29 negotiations, which will focus on The New Collective Quantitative Financing Goal (NCQG)and strengthening transparency.The Conference emphasized the importance of financial mechanisms for achieving climate goals, as well as adaptation actions that will be crucial for the sustainable development of Central Asian countries in a changing climate.For reference purposesThe project “Advancing the process of developing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for medium-and long-term planning and implementation of climate change adaptation measures in the Kyrgyz Republic” is implemented by UNDP in Kyrgyzstan with financial support the United Nations Climate Fund. For more information, please contact Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Head of Communications, UNDP by mail ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org or by phone: 0770 755776.
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Press Release
20 September 2024
UN Special Rapporteur Urges Central Asian Nations to Join Forces to Tackle Air Quality Crisis
UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Healthy Environment, speaking on air quality at a conference in Almaty on 19 September, highlighted that clean air is a human right and encouraged governments to improve policies and legal frameworks to reduce air pollution. “Establishing pollution-free zones, particularly around schools and play areas, and maintaining transparent air quality reporting systems are essential to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Establish also environmental impact assessment to all projects and activities that might be causing air pollution and other negative and severe impacts to the environment. Additionally, we must address the root causes of air pollution through a human rights-based approach, reducing fossil fuel use, and prioritizing strong legislation that defends human rights,” said the UN Special Rapporteur, Astrid Puentes.In her video presentation, she emphasized the inherent connection between clean air and the fundamental human right to a healthy environment. Her remarks provided a clarion call for governments across Central Asia to strengthen existing laws and collaborate effectively to tackle air quality challenges. The session underscored the necessity of implementing robust air quality regulations and promoting joint actions across borders to mitigate the impacts of pollution, particularly on the health of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. The 3rd Central Asian Air Quality Central Asia Platform Conference, themed “Strengthening regional cooperation on monitoring air quality and dust storms in the context of climate change,” is taking place in Almaty (Kazakhstan) on 19-20 September. It brings together regional experts, government officials, and international organizations to address the pressing issue of air quality and its effects on public health. *** Full video presentation of Astrid Puentes, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Healthy Environment
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