In Kyrgyzstan, the noncommunicable diseases are the main cause of disability, morbidity, and premature mortality. According to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2020, cardiovascular diseases were a major reason of mortality, making up 52% of all death cases in the country, while cancer occupied second place (10.8%) followed by respiratory diseases (6.9%). Unhealthy diet (in particular, high salt intake, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables), tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and lack of physical activity are the most common preventable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. 

Since 2018, the Swiss project called "Effective Management and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases in Kyrgyzstan" has been strengthening the primary health care system and promoting healthier lifestyle of people. To continue this support in Kyrgyzstan, the Swiss Government has allocated additional funding for more than CHF 5 million to phase II of the project. 

With the continued support of the Ministry of Health the work will be implemented by a consortium of organizations composed of Public Association "Healthy Future" (Kyrgyzstan), "GFA Consulting Group GmbH" (Germany), and "Euro Health Group" (Denmark).

During 4 years, the project will be covering Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan as well as Osh and Bishkek cities. 

The Swiss Government will be represented by Ambassador Ms. Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Ambassador Mr. Dominique Paravicini, Head of the Economic Cooperation and Development Division and Delegate of the Federal Council for Trade Agreements at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The goal of this visit is to know more about the challenges Kyrgyzstan faces today.

The Swiss delegation will meet representatives of the Kyrgyz government to discuss development and economic cooperation issues as well as bilateral trade and investments. They will also meet representatives of the business sector, international organizations and civil society. 

Ms. Danzi and Mr. Paravicini will visit Swiss funded development projects in various areas of Chui oblast, in particular in the sectors of water, tourism, health and local governance, and learn from citizens who benefitted from these projects how the Swiss support helped to improve the quality of their life. Both ambassadors will also learn more about the Kyrgyz culture and visit the capital city.