UNDP and Japan to strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s COVID-19 response in light of the recent spike

October 22, 2020

Mr Ijutsi Satoshi, The Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Kyrgyz Republic (on the left) and Mr Bolot Maikanaev, Director of National TB Center of the Kyrgyz Republic are unsealing the package of respirators at the handover ceremony. Photo: Chyntemir Kalbaev / UNDP Kyrgyzstan

22 October, Bishkek - United Nations Development Programme continues supporting the country’s efforts in fighting with the pandemic. Today, a set of respirators with a total cost of $115,814 were handed over to the National TB Center of the Kyrgyz Republic. These items have been procured within the project “Supporting an Inclusive and Multi-Sectoral Response to COVID-19 and Addressing its Socio-Economic Impact in the Kyrgyz Republic", financed by the Government of Japan with an estimate cost of 1,2 mln USD. The project aims to expand UNDP’s COVID-19 response and support measures to combat the consequences of the pandemic in Kyrgyzstan.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 infections is increasingly worsening again in Kyrgyzstan every day, so it is necessary to prepare for a re-expansion to winter time. Now, what is more serious and important is how to recover from the huge damage suffered by the Kyrgyz society and economy in the past eight months and how to link the recovery to the future development”, Mr. Ambassador Shigeki Maeda said.

“Based on this recognition, Japan endorses the UNDP's initiative and has decided to contribute $1.2 million to projects to strengthen the healthcare system, prevent social and economic instability, and promote employment. Japan will continue to work in cooperation with international organizations to overcome the corona crisis,” continued Mr. Ambassador. 

We will implement a range of activities to strengthen the healthcare system as well as address socioeconomic challenges imposed by the coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan. Our goal is to help the country develop the nation’s resilience to counter the multi-faceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises in the future,” said Louise Chamberlain, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Photos from the handover ceremony