For Immediate Release
Press Release
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing additional laboratory, IT, and diagnostic equipment to the Kyrgyz Republic to help in the country’s response to COVID-19. It was announced during the official handover ceremony today with participation of Deputy Minister of Health Uluk-Bek Bekturganov. The equipment, worth 31 million KGS, will be distributed to institutions around the country as part of USAID’s support for the pandemic response.
Previously, USAID donated a GeneXpert machine, a state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that reduces COVID-19 testing time from five hours to 40 minutes, to the Ministry’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department. This technology can accurately detect not only COVID-19, but also other infections such as tuberculosis. In addition, the Department received a video-conferencing system and computers to help monitor the epidemiological situation across the country more effectively.
"The pandemic has shown that the country must be prepared for a sharp increase of COVID-19 patients. New strains of coronavirus are emerging, that's why USAID assistance in equipping hospitals and other medical facilities is very important," said Deputy Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan Uluk-Bek Bekturganov.
Chuy oblast hospital, National Hospital, and the Osh City Clinical Hospital will also receive different equipment including a mobile X-ray machine, video-bronchoscope, disinfection chambers, and containers for transporting samples.
“In addition to providing necessary technology, our programs also focus on equipping the health care professionals with the right knowledge and skills. We continue to work with the Ministry of Health on training hundreds of doctors, nurses and other personnel across the country” noted Randy Kolstad, acting director of USAID’s Health and Education Office.
USAID is providing the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute of Retraining and Professional Development with equipment to improve training in diagnosing and treating infections.
This assistance is provided under USAID’s Local Health System Sustainability program. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, USAID has provided more than $7 million to help the Kyrgyz Republic fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. government agency that leads international development and humanitarian efforts. In the Kyrgyz Republic, USAID works with the people and the government to improve the country's economy, governance, health, and education so that families can live better lives.
In healthcare, USAID focuses on three key areas: prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, fighting HIV/AIDS, and improving nutrition among children and women.
