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.”