BISHKEK, March 24, 2025-The World Bank has approved an additional financing of $11.45 million to support the Kyrgyz Republic's efforts to improve the quality of primary health care services across the country. This funding will complement the ongoing Primary Health Care Quality Improvement Program, which is jointly supported by the World Bank, the German Development Bank (KfW), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). It will also contribute to the government's goal of strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to essential health services for all citizens.
"This additional financing will help boost the quality and range of primary health care services and strengthen the system in the long term in the Kyrgyz Republic. It will address critical gaps in essential equipment, improve healthcare waste management, strengthen digital health interventions, and enhance health worker management capacity and skills," said World Bank Group Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic Hugh Riddell.
The additional financing will support the Primary Health Care Quality Improvement Program in two key areas. Specifically, $9.05 million will strengthen the diagnostic and clinical capacity of primary health care organizations by providing essential diagnostic equipment, such as electrocardiograms and X-ray units, and improve healthcare waste management by providing medical waste processing equipment. This investment will improve maternal and child health and non-communicable disease services at the primary care level, addressing gaps in equipment and IT infrastructure to enhance the overall scope and quality of care. An additional $2.4 million will support the implementation of IT systems, such as electronic medical records; the creation of continuous professional development materials; updated guidelines on relevant aspects, such as health financing and quality improvement at the primary care level; and investment in health worker capacity building. These efforts will strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health and accelerate program implementation, ensuring more effective and sustainable health outcomes.
The additional financing is fully allocated on a grant basis from the Kyrgyz Republic Primary Health Care Quality Improvement Program Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the Accompanying Measures Single-Donor Trust Fund, financed by the Government of Germany through the KfW Development Bank. The project will be implemented through June 2027 by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund. Strict international standards including procurement and financial management regulations and anti-corruption guidelines will be enforced.
The World Bank's overall mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet. The Bank's program in the Kyrgyz Republic currently consists of 23 projects supporting the modernization and development of various sectors, with commitments exceeding $1.7 billion.
