Bishkek, March 10, 2026 /Kabar/. Today, March 10, 2026, Minister Damir Osmonov met with UNICEF Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Samman Jung Thapa at the Ministry of Health.
According to the ministry, during the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of cooperation in maternal and child health, the development of primary health care, immunization, and the implementation of digital solutions in the healthcare system.
The minister expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its long-standing and reliable partnership with the Ministry of Health and its support of programs aimed at improving children's health. "Thanks to our joint efforts, we have achieved significant results. Over the past decades, child mortality in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by 73 percent. According to the Comprehensive Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS), conducted in 2023 with the support of our partners, including UNICEF, the under-five mortality rate has decreased from 20 to 16.5 per 1,000 live births over the past five years," Damir Osmonov noted.
The minister emphasized that the Ministry highly values UNICEF's contribution to the development of primary healthcare, support for services for pregnant women, newborns, children, and adolescents, and the development of modern standards of medical care.
The minister also emphasized UNICEF's support in the area of pharmaceutical procurement. He noted that the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic has already begun procuring medicines through UNICEF and intends to consistently expand and strengthen this approach, developing further cooperation.
During the meeting, strengthening the immunization system was also discussed, including joint efforts to increase vaccination coverage and develop a national vaccine management system.
The parties paid special attention to the development of telemedicine through the Telemed.kg platform, which allows for greater access to specialist consultations for the population, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
As part of its support for the digitalization of primary healthcare, UNICEF donated 247 tablets to the healthcare system, which will be used by healthcare workers for remote consultations and increased access to medical care.
The minister noted that further cooperation with UNICEF will contribute to strengthening the healthcare system, expanding preventive programs, and improving the health of children and families in Kyrgyzstan.
The parties confirmed their commitment to continue working together to develop primary healthcare, expand immunization programs, implement digital solutions, and improve access to medical services.