Uzbekistan wrapped up its first major medical programme implemented under a landmark asset return agreement with Switzerland. The bilateral deal involves the repatriation of illegally acquired assets back to the Central Asian republic to fund vital social initiatives.
Launched in September 2023 the project was specifically designed to combat and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across the country.
The initiative received $43.5 mln in financial backing which was channelled through the Ishonch foundation. Over the course of the programme 231 perinatal centres nationwide were equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology.
Hospitals and clinics were upgraded with critical hardware including modern infant incubators, respiratory support machines, advanced anaesthesia equipment and other essential maternal care devices.
Training and tangible results
Alongside the physical upgrades the initiative invested heavily in human capital. More than 80,000 doctors and healthcare workers underwent specialised training to learn the most up-to-date methods for treating pregnant women and vulnerable newborns.
According to the organisers these combined medical efforts have yielded remarkable results. The rate of preventable maternal mortality has dropped from 77.3% down to 62.8%. Furthermore local medical facilities have recorded an increase in the survival rates of premature babies and infants born with a very low birth weight.
Beyond the clinical settings the project also featured widespread public information campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the critical importance of regular medical observation during pregnancy. These broad outreach efforts successfully engaged an estimated 20 mln people.
The programme was executed as a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Health Organization with robust support from the governments of both Uzbekistan and Switzerland.
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