The Central Asia International Health Investment Forum, themed “Health is the best investment,” has brought together global, regional, and national stakeholders to underscore the transformative potential of health investments in the region, a press release from the World Health Organization states. Held under the patronage of the President of Kyrgyzstan and organised by WHO/Europe and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health, the two-day event showcases best practices and innovative strategies, such as public-private partnerships and digital health tools, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasised Central Asia’s unique demographic and economic advantages, while Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov highlighted the need for regional cooperation in medical research and the integration of modern technologies. The Forum addresses critical health issues, aiming to enhance primary healthcare access, combat diseases, and improve emergency preparedness, contributing to the region’s sustainable development and social health protection.
According to WHO, Central Asia’s promising economic growth of over 4% per year is currently more than double the growth rate of the European Union. The health sector has an important role in generating of this growth: as an employer and purchaser of goods and services, it is among the top 10 sectors of the regional economy. This webpage, dedicated to the Central Asia International Health Investment Forum, contains forum-related materials, including:
- Outcome statement, Central Asia International Health Investment Forum, 26 June 2024
- Provisional programme, Central Asia International Health Investment Forum, 25 June 2024
- Roadmap for Health and Well-being in Central Asia (2022–2025),10 November 2022
- Summary of the Roadmap for health and well-being in Central Asia (2022–2025),10 November 2022
- 2022-2024 Progress Report on the Roadmap for health and well-being in Central Asia (2022–2025), 19 June 2024
The host of the forum, the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared news and photos from the forum on its website here. In addition, the Ministry of Health has posted here about the adoption of the Outcome statement, sharing that a Health Investment Group was formed and it is made of country leaders and investment partners who will meet regularly, and will monitor and guide the progress of the Roadmap; and a Health Investment Plan will be developed to increase investment in 11 areas of focus, identified as priorities identified during the Forum.
