Strengthening Immunization Today: Kyrgyzstan Protects the Health of Future Generations

Bishkek, 21 April 2026 – From April 20 to 26, 2026, the Kyrgyz Republic celebrates the European Immunization Week (EIW), organized as part of a World Health Organization initiative. This year, the country joins other countries in the WHO European Region celebrating the 20th anniversary of this initiative. The campaign, under the slogan "Vaccines Work for Every Generation," aims to raise public awareness of the importance of vaccination for the health of people of all ages. Particular attention is paid to the lifelong benefits of immunization: from the first weeks of pregnancy to old age, vaccines provide vital protection against many serious diseases, promoting the health and well-being of the population.

As part of European Immunization Week 2026, informational and educational events, campaigns, open days at healthcare facilities, and meetings with medical specialists will be held across the country to increase awareness and access to immunization services.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, second-dose measles vaccine coverage has increased significantly to 94%, compared to 69% in 2024, bringing the country closer to the level needed to prevent outbreaks. First-dose coverage also remains high at 92%, demonstrating that routine immunization is reaching the majority of children.

At the same time, system recovery continues. Third-dose coverage of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine is 82%, highlighting the need to ensure every child completes the full vaccination schedule.

Efforts to close immunization gaps are also yielding results. In 2025, a nationwide catch-up immunization campaign reached over 117,000 children, bringing previously missed children back into the vaccination system.

The Kyrgyz Republic is also demonstrating leadership in cervical cancer prevention. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among 11-year-old girls has reached 91%, with 258,985 girls vaccinated since the vaccine's introduction into the national immunization schedule. This achievement was made possible through the effective collaboration of GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. More than 15,817 children have not received a single vaccine, and over 15,708 refusals have been recorded. Addressing these issues requires continued efforts to build public trust, engage with communities, and ensure equal access to immunization services.

"Protecting every person from vaccine-preventable infections remains a key priority for the Kyrgyz Republic's healthcare system. We are consistently strengthening the routine immunization system, improving the quality of services, and intensifying public outreach to build trust in vaccines. Our goal is to ensure that every person, regardless of age, is reliably protected, and the foundation for this protection begins in the first days of a child's life. With the support of our partners, we are strengthening our efforts to improve the efficiency and safety of the cold chain system, ensuring the proper quality of vaccines at all stages of storage and transportation. At the same time, we are continuing to modernize the immunization system, including the implementation of the innovative iEmdoo digital platform, which improves data recording, enhances the quality of vaccination monitoring, and makes services more accessible to the population,” noted Gulbara Ishenapyssova, Deputy Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and Chief State Sanitary Doctor.

“One of the country's key advantages is its long-standing experience of working with community and religious leaders. Thanks to this collaborative effort, the number of vaccine refusals was reduced by 10% between 2024 and 2025. In 2025 alone, the information campaign reached 564,562 children, identifying and vaccinating those who had not received a single dose of vaccine, as well as under-vaccinated children, including children from migrant families and other vulnerable groups," noted Ana Dautovic, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

European Immunization Week is an opportunity for everyone to reconsider their approach to vaccination and make the choice to protect their health.