Bishkek, 24 August 2023 - The Penitentiary Service under the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic has fortified its ambulance fleet with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

This joint endeavors, part of a larger initiative aimed at strengthening detention conditions in the Kyrgyz Republic, resulted in the acquisition of two state-of-the-art ambulances at a combined cost of 166,261$. These vehicles were procured by UNDP, financially supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

New ambulances will ensure swift and premium medical care not only in emergencies but also for HIV and tuberculosis cases. Each ambulance equipped with top-tier resuscitation equipment, including ventilators, facilitating emergency medical visits across all the penitentiary service facilities around Chui Oblast, Kyrgyzstan.

Askat Egemberdiev, Chair of the Penitentiary Service under the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, expressed: "Our primary objective is ensuring prompt medical aid for inmates. We're striving to bolster our medical prowess, refine penitentiary medical services, and align ourselves more closely with global standards. These vehicles mark a stride in ensuring that all inmates, including women, receive exemplary medical care."

In partnership with the Global Fund, UNDP strengthens enhanced health services, spotlighting areas like HIV and tuberculosis, healthcare service development, and human rights in the correctional system.

Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, underscored: " Through our collaborative efforts, we are steadfast in our commitment to strengthen the capacity of national partners, fostering a resilient national health system that leaves no one behind. By providing these advanced ambulances, we are advancing our mission to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all, leaving no gaps in our pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive society."

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

For more information, visit: www.undp.org/ru/kyrgyzstan or follow us on social media @undpkg.

Contact for media:

Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP communications officer 

ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org