On December 3, 2020, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Ruslan A. Kazakbayev met with the Country Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. N. Artykova to discuss vital priorities in the health sector of the Kyrgyz Republic.

H.E. Mr. Ruslan A. Kazakbaev said, first of all, taking into account the current epidemiological and economic situation in the world, expressed gratitude for the expert and technical support of WHO, as well as for repeated humanitarian assistance in the form of PCR tests, personal protective equipment and other necessary equipment. H.E. Mr. Ruslan A. Kazakbayev paid special attention to the COVAX Mechanism, in light of the fact that Kyrgyzstan, along with other states, may find itself in a difficult situation due to the global shortage of vaccines against COVID-19. In particular, the parties discussed logistics preparation, prompt receipt of a clinically tested and licensed vaccine, as well as the possibility of supporting international donors in their procurement. At the same time, he expressed hope for WHO's assistance inequitable distribution of vaccines in the regions and villages of the country.

H.E. N. Artykova, in turn, informed about the predicted second wave of the pandemic, presumably in December this year and January 2021, it recommended that citizens continue to observe the distance, wear masks and refrain from organizing mass events. At the same time, she noted that WHO is taking measures to minimize infection by covering the rules of conduct in the media, training medical personnel, purchasing the necessary drugs and announced the arrival in December this year. Next humanitarian aid in the form of 500 oxygen concentrators, 70 heart monitors and other drugs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases. In addition, WHO has created an electronic platform where daily statistics on COVID-19 are entered and the forecast is conducted.

H.E. Mr. Ruslan A. Kazakbayev noted the importance of parallel WHO support in the provision of services for the treatment of other diseases such as HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis in connection with the re-profiling of hospitals for patients with COVID-19.

In conclusion, the sides expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation by creating a Roadmap in accordance with the priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic.

H.E. Mr. R. Kazakbayev expressed the hope that WHO projects and programs will continue to contribute to the health sector of the Kyrgyz Republic and also wished H.E. N. Artykova and WHO staff strength and energy in their hard work and a safe overcoming of the COVID-19 pandemic.