The World Bank’s Executive Directors have approved $60 million in funding for the initial phase of the regional "One Health" initiative in Central Asia.
The financial package includes a concessional loan of $30 million for Kyrgyzstan and a $30 million grant for Tajikistan. Additionally, each country will receive an extra $1.79 million in grants from the Pandemic Fund, the World Bank announced.
The program aims to prevent, detect, and address priority health risks affecting humans, animals, and the environment.
The project will cover five countries in the region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It will run from 2025 to 2032.
Key focus areas include strengthening veterinary and sanitary-epidemiological services, advancing digital technologies, workforce training, upgrading laboratory equipment, and establishing a comprehensive animal registration system.
A significant component of the initiative is the creation of the first regional "One Health" coordination center, to be based in Almaty under the CAREC framework.
The region faces numerous challenges, including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety issues, wildlife migration, and the impacts of climate change.
The program aims to help countries improve cross-sectoral cooperation among healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection to effectively address emerging threats.
Tatiana Proskuryakova, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia, noted that the initiative "will enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, expand trade linkages, and create new job opportunities."
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 29, 2025