The youngest children of Karakalpakstan receive quality medical services

Sarvinoz Turdimuratova became a neonatologist- a doctor for newborn babies or those born early with problems, because she loves babies and wanted to give them a fighting chance. This passion for new babies, made her change her medical specialty midway from radiology. 

10 years later, after completing her residency, she is now working as a neonatologist in the maternity hospital of the Nukus City Medical Association.

“Every month, about 300 babies are born in our maternity hospital. If any of them are born prematurely or have health problems, we take care of them, says Dr Turdimuratova. This takes 5-10 days, depending on the health conditions of the baby.”

Dr Turdimuratova is currently looking after a newborn baby. She shares her experience with Regina M. Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, who has recently visited Karakalpakstan to review the projects in the region.

“This baby was saved and is now out of danger, thanks to the training and equipment provided with the support of the Aral Sea Trust Fund. This is the most beautiful part about my job,” says Regina M. Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “I see that together with international and national partners we have achieved many  results, but we still have more to do. This is a region where we need to be present and deliver more results for the most vulnerable children.

Together with the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, UNICEF and UNFPA implemented the project "Improving the quality of perinatal care services for the most vulnerable mothers and newborns" with a total budget of over 1,8 million US dollars under the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund.

The life -saving support was mobilized as part of “The Aral Sea Trust Fund,” managed by the United Nations. Over the last few years, the fund has supported efforts to address the environmental and socio-economic consequences of the Aral Sea crisis including reaching maternity clinics with lifesaving equipment.

The Aral Sea Trust Fund was possible thanks to the commitment and financial contributions from Uzbekistan, the European Union, Finland, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Germany and Al Waleed philanthropies.

The support has hugely improved access to quality perinatal services in some of the most vulnerable communities. Much was achieved in the 21 months implementation period. Over 12,000 mothers and their newborns received improved quality of care at the targeted perinatal centres. Further, 100% of the required medical equipment was procured through UNICEF and UNFPA systems, while training has exceeded targets with 153% of targeted health workers trained to provide quality perinatal services. And the patients are happy with client satisfaction standing at a high 80% at health facilities.

Back at the maternity facility Dr Turdimuratova is one of the doctors who received training under this project. She is glad that her knowledge and skills help the youngest citizens of Karakalpakstan survive and grow up healthy.

“I am a mother of 2 boys and 2 girls. My eldest daughter has graduated from school this year and passed the exams to enter a medical university to also become a neonatologist. I am glad that my daughter chose this path,” Sarvinoz says happily.