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 Shigaibaeva

Photos provided by KFPA