The allocated funds were used to provide basic food and hygiene products for the vulnerable groups of population in partner municipalities, including people who have lost their source of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has put thousands of people at risk, especially vulnerable groups, large families, and those left without income sources. That is why the help from the Public Service Improvement project is very timely and necessary,” said Akmoldoev Baktybek, Head of the Oktyabr municipality of the Aksuu district.

The representatives of local self-governments, together with district departments for social protection, prepared the lists of families who are the most in need of assistance and a list of necessary essential products. In order to ensure a safe distribution, the local governments are cooperating with local health committees and other organizations

“We are a large family with five children. Because of the coronavirus, my husband does not have a job right now, and therefore we were in urgent need for food. We express our deep gratitude on behalf of our family to our Ayil-Okmotu, the Swiss Government and Swiss project for the provided support,” said Nurzat Tologonova, a resident of Maman village of Aksuu district.

Municipalities engaged at the frontlines continue to provide support to the population and are making significant efforts to prevent further spreading of COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Public Service Improvement project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Helvetas Kyrgyzstan and Development Policy Institute.

The Public Service Improvement project improves living conditions of people in rural areas through improved quality of and access to public services provided by municipalities.

As part of the project, computer equipment for teleconferences was installed in 5 oblast family medicine centres, 46 rayon family medicine and general medical practice centres, at the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute of Retraining and Professional Development of Bishkek and its 6 oblast branches, the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, the Electronic Health Care Centre and the Kyrgyz Medical Association.

In addition, the Swiss project purchased server equipment and a license for the platform for videoconferencing and webinars installed at the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic. It unites the Ministry of Health, e-Health Center, academic institutions and professional associations with all regional health facilities into one network.

Establishing links with regions was a timely decision and played a major role in training of medical professionals on COVID-19 issues. Regional healthcare organizations can join the webinar platform and listen to online lectures by specialists from Bishkek. Moreover, this network is used to hold urgent meetings by connecting the republican, oblast and district levels.

The Swiss project introduces distance learning for postgraduate and continuous medical education for doctors, nurses and residents. The project is also focusing on capacity development of the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute of Retraining and Professional Development and Osh State University. The telecommunication network allowed them to adapt their training programmes for distance learning of students, residents and practicing medical professionals.

The Swiss project "Medical Education Reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic" aims at ensuring quality medical care to the Kyrgyz population provided by well-trained medical personnel.