In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, the WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Kyrgyzstan and Médecins Sans Frontières jointly organized health promotion activities on early diagnosis and screening for cervical cancer. As a result, over 350 Kyrgyz women had medical examinations to detect cervical and breast cancer and received professional medical consultation in the family medicine centres in Bishkek. In the near future, activities on early diagnosis and screening for cervical cancer will take place in other parts of the country.
HPV vaccine’s introduction
HPV vaccination was officially introduced in Kyrgyzstan in 2022. Nationwide, 63% of the 200 000 targeted adolescent girls aged 9–14 have already been vaccinated. Prior to introduction, many health workers were trained to administer the vaccine and in how to communicate about the vaccine, including addressing potential questions and concerns. Information materials were also circulated to inform parents. The introduction comes in the context of the country’s Immunoprophylaxis Programme for 2020–2024.
Vaccination is highly effective in preventing HPV infection, which is responsible for more than 95% of cervical cancer cases globally. According to WHO estimates, in Kyrgyzstan, approximately 600 women develop cervical cancer every year, of which 300 cases are fatal. Cervical cancer is the second leading type of cancer in women in the country and is the most common form of cancer in women aged 15 to 44 years. With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Kyrgyzstan received 368 000 doses of HPV vaccines and distributed them across the country.
WHO support
The WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan continues facilitating the successful introduction of HPV vaccination and offers technical support in the areas of advocacy and information sharing, evidence-based decision-making, preparation and planning for vaccine rollout, and tailored communication to and capacity-building of health care workers to increase their knowledge and confidence in recommending the vaccines.
Several vaccines were introduced into the National Immunization Schedule in Kyrgyzstan in recent years with technical support from WHO. These include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2016, inactivated polio vaccine in 2018, rotavirus vaccine in 2019, and HPV vaccine in 2022.
Source: WHO
