The Government of Switzerland allocated CHF 50’000 to protect the rights and wellbeing of elderly people. The support includes measures to inform and prevent COVID-19 infection, to prevent violence against elderly and to improve access to health and social protection services. This work is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Social Protection of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Currently, food packages and sanitary items are being distributed by the implementing partners HelpAge International in Kyrgyzstan, PA Resource Center for the Elderly People, ADRA-Kyrgyzstan and PF Babushka Adoption. 

The selection of beneficiaries was done with the support of local authorities and self-help groups for elderly people. It was based on income criteria and health conditions.

Today the Swiss Ambassador Véronique Hulmann participated in a food distribution in Kant. During her visit she highlighted the importance of providing aid to the most vulnerable people and congratulated representatives of the self-help groups for their outstanding commitment. The work of the volunteers who provide support and comfort to vulnerable people and contribute to find solutions to their concerns in all times is crucial. It contributes to enhance solidarity and social justice in the Kyrgyz Republic. She also thanks project partners for their work and commitment.

Most of the public buildings in Kyrgyzstan were built 25-60 years ago. Today, old buildings do not have modern energy efficiency measures, which lead to significant heat losses and inefficient use of fuel resources. The Heat Supply Improvement Project aims to improve access to reliable and efficient heating services and to reduce energy consumption in public buildings in healthcare and education sectors in the regions of Chui, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Talas, Batken, Osh and Jalal-Abad and in the cities of Bishkek and Osh.

The project will introduce innovative technologies during renovation works, such as isolation of walls, roofs and floors, replacement of windows and external doors, improvement of heating and ventilation systems, hot water supply and lighting, strengthening seismic resistance of buildings.

“The Swiss support will contribute to improve indoor conditions of selected hospitals, polyclinics, kindergartens and schools”, says the Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic Véronique Hulmann. “Medical staff and patients, teachers and children, who spend most of their time in these buildings, will benefit from the project. The project will also demonstrate how energy consumption can be reduced and energy problems - such as winter power shortages - be addressed”.

The total budget of the Heat Supply Improvement Project financed by the World Bank and Switzerland amounts US $12.66 million. It has been implemented by ARIS since April 2019 in close partnership with the government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

For more information about the project, please visit the link.