Aizhamal Shambetova has long been at the forefront of healthcare reform in Kyrgyzstan. As the former Deputy Minister of Health and the current head of the Project Implementation Unit on HIV and TB under the Center for Healthcare Development, she has dedicated her career to strengthening the country’s healthcare system. Her leadership exemplifies the power of women in shaping policies that ensure equitable access to medical care, particularly for marginalized communities.

The collaboration between the Center for Healthcare Development and UNDP has been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), HIV and Covid-19 response. UNDP is supporting the implementation of the National HIV Program, which is currently being revised to take into account viral hepatitis activities.

“In partnership with UNDP, we have been able to enhance both the programmatic and material aspects of national healthcare efforts,” says Shambetova. 

The partnership not only facilitates financial and technical support but also strengthens local capacity to manage these programs independently in the future.

TB detection rates have declined due to a shortage of medical personnel in primary care. “There is a pressing need to motivate young healthcare workers to serve in rural areas,” Shambetova notes. However, technologies create opportunities to bridge the human gap and advance the early diagnosis with use of artificial intelligence. 

In 2024, the Ministry of Health received procured by UNDP artificial intelligence-based mobile screening devices for TB detection. These portable units have expanded screening access, reaching vulnerable populations in remote areas. 

“These mobile units can be taken directly into communities, even into individual households, ensuring that no one is left behind,” she explains. 

Such innovations are not just improving diagnostics but are also setting new standards in healthcare accessibility.

In 2024, almost 10 thousand people (9791 people) were screened using artificial intelligence-based mobile screening devices. Of these, 510 cases of presumptive TB (5%) were detected, and 33 cases of active TB were referred for treatment. 

As part of infection control, health care organizations were also supplied with fit-tests for PHC, 4 disinfection chambers, 2 autoclaves, and respirators are planned to be supplied. For the purpose of early diagnosis of resistant forms of tuberculosis, 16 GXpert machines were delivered. In addition, 3 fibroscans, laboratory equipment to strengthen the technical base of HIV diagnostics, medicines, antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment for children under 14 years of age (156 children) and for HIV treatment on 2 lines of treatment for 171 PLHIV, second-line anti-TB drugs for TB treatment, reagents and reagents to detect TB and determine its resistance to anti-TB drugs were procured.

Beyond equipment, the program has significantly contributed to the procurement of essential medications, including antiviral drugs for HIV and second-line TB treatments. These efforts are coupled with national awareness campaigns that encourage proactive health screenings. Rapid oral HIV testing, for example, now allows individuals to receive results in minutes, preserving anonymity and reducing stigma around testing.

In order to increase the capacity of medical staff, 14 staff were trained with use of  international experience in 2024, and more than 100 medical staff were trained on new clinical protocols on TB, screening and diagnosis, and drug management. The Comprehensive National Health Strategy targets key populations, including migrants, people with diabetes (who are at increased risk of TB) and other vulnerable categories. 

A comprehensive national health strategy is in place, targeting key populations, including migrants, individuals with diabetes (who are at higher risk of TB), and other vulnerable groups. 

As part of World TB Day, UNDP recognizes the achievements of health professionals who are making significant contributions to TB control and health system strengthening in Kyrgyzstan. Aijamal Shambetova works to ensure that policies and programs increase access to TB prevention and treatment.