Locations
Tuberculosis is not only a medical problem, but also a marker of social vulnerability. And it is impossible to defeat him without complex solutions. UNDP supports the Ministry of Health in the strengthening a sustainable health system, starting with uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical equipment, and ending with digitization and technology implementation.
According to the data of the Ministry of Health, there are significant improvements in the country. In 2022, 4183 new cases of tuberculosis were recorded in Kyrgyzstan. More than 700 of them — forms with multiple drug resistance (MDR). This form of tuberculosis is extremely difficult to treat and requires medical intervention along with stable patient support for 6-18 months.
Digitization of health care as a systemic response
UNDP supports the Ministry of Health in the development and introduction of the Unified Medical Information System (UMIS). This digital platform will allow to combine all the patient's health data in one digital space, making medical services more transparent, efficient and accessible.
"Development of health care systems — our key priority. We aim to harness technologies and make medical care available to every citizen", — underscores the Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Erkin Checheibaev.
UNDP helps to modernize laboratory systems, implement AI-solutions for tuberculosis diagnostics, audit IT infrastructure. It's not just modernization — it's the creation of a sustainable, human-oriented health care system.
At the laboratory in Osh
Footholds: shelters as the space of healing
However, even the most modern technologies are powerless, if the person remains alone with the diagnosis. That's why UNDP supports the establishment of shelters — places where not only the lungs are treated, but also the soul.
In the south of Kyrgyzstan, Elmira Karimova, the coordinator of the Public Foundation "Plus", went through the disease herself. Having lost loved ones and being isolated, she not only defeated tuberculosis, but became a guide for others.
"When a person starts breathing again — it's a miracle," she says.
In the shelter, every day begins with warm greetings and care. Patients who have been rejected by their relatives receive housing, food, medicine here, and most importantly, the opportunity to start all over again.
Elmira Karimova, Coordinator of the Public Foundation "Plus"
Stories behind the figures
Adakhan Mamadaliev is one of those who, after leaving prison after 35 years, did not want to live. The disease seemed to him "a way to disappear." But, finding himself in a shelter, he found a purpose again: "I used to exist - and now I live."
Adakhan Mamadaliev
Nail (name changed) left home so as not to put his grandchildren at risk after his diagnosis became known. His story reflects how public opinion can exacerbate suffering. But in the shelter, he found hope: "I thought that tuberculosis was a disease of the past. And here, in the 21st century, it is the same. But if there is faith, help and a place where you are welcome, the disease can be defeated."
Nail during a conversation with Roza Alimbaeva, psychologist of the Public Foundation “Plus”
UNDP Complex intervention
Support for shelters — only part of UNDP’s holistic approach. UNDP provides access to quality diagnostics and treatment even in the most remote regions. In partnership with the UNDP Global Fund, it installed modern X-ray equipment with AI, trained medical personnel, expanded the scope of legal aid for vulnerable patients and implemented innovative educational programs for medical students.
Medicine that cannot be bought — this is a feeling to be needed to each other
UNDP demonstrates: the fight against tuberculosis is also about working with stigma and discrimination. By combining the efforts of the government, civil society and patients themselves, UNDP creates systems where a person is at the center.
As shelter patients say, the main medicine is not only pills. The main thing is to know that you are not alone.
"We are working to ensure stable access to vital medicines, modern medical equipment and legal aid so that everyone in need can receive timely treatment and support. UNDP will continue to work together with the Ministry of Health for the development of digital solutions, strengthening the health care system and improving the quality of medical services for all", - concluded Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative.
