The United Nations wants to overhaul Kyrgyzstan’s health system using the latest digital technologies.

The programme aims to bridge the healthcare access gap, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural and mountainous areas, by creating a fully interoperable digital health ecosystem.

This initiative, funded by the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund with contributions from the European Union, Spain and Sweden, is a key step in Kyrgyzstan’s digital transformation. Over the next three years, it will modernise health services, streamline government e-health initiatives, and expand access to telemedicine for millions.

The programme is led by the UN in Kyrgyzstan, guided by Antje Grawe, the UN resident coordinator in the country. With backing from the Joint SDG Fund, the WHO country office in Kyrgyzstan will take the lead on this initiative, collaborating closely with UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Children’s Fund (Unicef), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and several ministries of the Kyrgyz government.

With a budget of $4m, the programme will run from 2024 to 2027, focusing on critical improvements, such as upgrading digital health infrastructure and linking 60 health facilities to the national electronic health record (EHR) platform. One of its most transformative elements is the creation of a digital health profile for citizens, enabling access to vaccination records, laboratory results and other health data through a secure online portal.

“The programme represents a major leap forward in improving health care for all Kyrgyz citizens, especially those in underserved regions,” said Grawe. “This project aligns with the global vision of the recently adopted Global Digital Compact, aiming to bridge digital divides and ensure equitable access to essential health services.”

Liviu Vedrasco, WHO (www.who.int) representative to Kyrgyzstan, added: “The launch of this joint programme is a pivotal moment for healthcare in Kyrgyzstan. By enhancing digital connectivity, we are empowering communities, improving access to health services and driving sustainable development. With the support of our partners, we are fostering innovation, inclusivity and long-term growth in the health sector.”

The programme will particularly benefit women, children and people with disabilities. Telemedicine services will reach over 700,000 children aged up to 14, offering medical consultations to families in remote regions. For mothers and newborns, 60 facilities across the country will provide specialised care, benefiting approximately 140,000 individuals through digital health.

Additionally, 120,000 people with disabilities will receive digital disability certificates, and 280,000 workers will be able to access digital sick leave certificates. With three million vaccination records integrated into the EHR platform, 225,000 children under the age of one will receive life-saving immunisations through streamlined digital tracking systems.

Kyrgyzstan’s minister of health Alymkadyr Beishenaliev expressed strong support for the initiative, saying: “This digital health programme is a critical step towards modernising our health sector. By improving access to critical health data, we are empowering both patients and healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.”

As Kyrgyzstan continues its journey towards becoming a digital nation, this joint UN initiative is poised to become a model for other countries aiming to harness technology for sustainable development and improved health outcomes.