Republican Centre for Immunoprophylaxis Receives New Equipment to Improve Communication with Epidemiological Survey Centers in Kyrgyzstan

On July 7, 2023, UNICEF handed over seven sets of communication equipment to the Ministry of Health’s Republican Centre for Immunoprophylaxis (RCI). The new equipment will help connect the center with all oblast Centers for Disease Prevention and State Epidemiological Survey to improve coordination during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and train staff for better preparedness. In total, the equipment provided with support from Global Alliance on Vaccination and Immunization (Gavi) is worth more than KGS 2.5 million (US$29,600).

The official ceremony took place in Bishkek with the participation of RCI Director Gulbara Ishenapysova and UNICEF Deputy Representative Cristina Brugiolo.

According to Gulbara Ishenapysova, this equipment will help in carrying out activities to maintain and strengthen public confidence in vaccines and those responsible for its organization.

“The equipment will be transferred to all regional centers to strengthen epidemiological surveillance for vaccine-controlled infections. This will ensure the integration of all tasks in a single information space and significantly increase the efficiency of our work. We are thankful to UNICEF for the technical assistance,” she said.

RCI and the centers in all seven oblasts will be equipped with interactive smartboards, microphones and cameras.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that effective coordination, communication and preparedness are critical in times of crisis. We hope that this new equipment will help further enhance Kyrgyzstan’s preparedness for health emergencies,” said Ms Brugiolo.

UNICEF continues to support Kyrgyzstan to promote immunization against COVID-19 and other diseases. Over the years, UNICEF has helped to improve storage of vaccines, introduce digital solutions, train medical workers, and procure vaccines.

UNICEF also partners with the Ministry of Health to boost the demand for vaccination and reduce the number of children who do not receive the recommended vaccines as per vaccination schedule of the ministry.

The key goal is to ensure that every child is vaccinated and protected.