The University of Central Asia (UCA), together with volunteers and social workers have distributed ,care packages to families in need in Naryn.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UCA distributed food and medical supplies to 500 families identified by the Mayor’s office in the vulnerable category in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan), according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The assistance includes masks (2,000), hand sanitizers (500 liters), antibacterial soap (1,500 bars), flour (2,500 kilograms), pasta (1,500 kilograms), and cooking oil (500 liters).
This donation was reportedly made possible through a partnership between the University of Central Asia, the Aga Khan Development Network, the Aga Khan Foundation Kyrgyzstan, and the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB).
“The University of Central Asia's initiative to provide food and medical supplies to families in need has won the gratitude of the people and government of Naryn,” said Nurbek Moldokadyrov, Mayor of Naryn. “We hope other NGOs will be inspired by UCA's example and provide support as well during these difficult times.”
“Although the Aga Khan Development Network is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in all areas of its operations in Kyrgyzstan, UCA is particularly focusing on the vulnerable population identified by the Mayor’s Office in Naryn,” said Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, Rector of UCA. “Because Naryn has a short supply of essential items, we arranged a shipment of food and medical supplies from Bishkek.”
The University has prepared 90 beds on the campus grounds for observation zones as part of the mitigation procedures for COVID-19 spread in Kyrgyzstan. To give a boost to the local economy, UCA has also purchased mattresses, blankets, pillows and linen made by women from the rural areas of Naryn.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyz new agency AKIPress reports that 558 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country as of April 20. 201 patients have reportedly recovered. Seven coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Kyrgyzstan as of April 20.
