International Cooperation International Projects KSMA's ongoing projects MAME (Medical Assistance & Medical Education), UK
MAME (Medical Assistance & Medical Education), UK

KSMA's Cooperation with Green Shoots Foundation

On 7 November 2016, the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) and the British charitable organization Green Shoots Foundation (United Kingdom) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership in the field of medical education.

The partnership was established within the framework of the Medical Assistance and Medical Education (MAME) programme implemented by Green Shoots Foundation in the Kyrgyz Republic. The primary objective of the cooperation was to support the development of medical education, promote the exchange of modern knowledge, and enhance the quality of training for future healthcare professionals.

Under the Memorandum, KSMA assumed responsibility for coordinating students' participation in the educational activities of the MAME programme, facilitating communication with participants, and collecting feedback to further improve educational programmes. In turn, Green Shoots Foundation was responsible for designing and delivering educational activities, thematic seminars, and awareness campaigns, as well as providing modern distance-learning resources, including online lectures and video-based educational materials.

The cooperation was aimed at introducing modern approaches to medical education, expanding students' access to international educational resources, and strengthening academic ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and the United Kingdom.

The Memorandum entered into force on 7 November 2016 upon its signing by Jean-Marc Debricon, Founder of Green Shoots Foundation, and Professor Indira Kudaibergenova, Rector of the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy.

International Training of KSMA Faculty under the MAME Programme (2017)

As part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) and the British charitable organization Green Shoots Foundation, faculty members of the Department of Infectious Diseases participated in the Medical Assistance and Medical Education (MAME) programme aimed at strengthening specialist training in HIV medicine and introducing modern educational approaches.

In 2017, Professor Anara Sharapovna Dzhumagulova, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, and Svetlana Viktorovna Chechetova, Assistant Lecturer of the Department, completed two-week professional training placements at Royal Free Hospital in London, United Kingdom, under the supervision of leading HIV medicine specialists. Professor Dzhumagulova's placement took place from 8 to 21 October 2017, while Ms. Chechetova's training was held from 24 September to 7 October 2017.

The training programme was developed in partnership with the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and focused on contemporary approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical management of people living with HIV. Particular emphasis was placed on antiretroviral therapy, management of HIV co-infections (including HIV/tuberculosis and HIV/viral hepatitis), diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections, HIV counselling and testing services, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, infection prevention and control, reduction of stigma and discrimination, and the organization of specialized healthcare services for people living with HIV.

The knowledge and practical experience gained during the training were successfully integrated into KSMA's educational and clinical activities. Faculty members incorporated current international guidelines into lectures and practical classes for undergraduate students, clinical residents, and early-career physicians, organized educational workshops for colleagues, and applied the training materials in the development of academic curricula and the improvement of national approaches to HIV education. Each year, the knowledge acquired through the programme is transferred to more than 1,000 KSMA students, clinical residents, and practicing physicians, contributing to the enhancement of medical education and strengthening the national system for training specialists in infectious diseases.

International Seminar “Medical Education Programme in Kyrgyzstan: HIV and Co-infection Care” (2023)

On 26–27 September 2023, the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA), in collaboration with the British charitable organization Green Shoots Foundation, organized the international scientific and educational seminar “Medical Education Programme in Kyrgyzstan: HIV and Co-infection Care.”

The seminar was held within the framework of the long-standing partnership between KSMA and Green Shoots Foundation, which has been successfully developing since 2016. The collaboration is aimed at improving the quality of medical education, strengthening specialist training, and promoting the implementation of modern international approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection and related diseases.

The seminar brought together leading international experts, including:

A key role in organizing the event was played by Munizai Jaffari, Coordinator of Green Shoots Foundation, who ensured the international coordination of the project and facilitated the participation of distinguished international experts.

Over the years of cooperation, KSMA and Green Shoots Foundation have achieved significant results. Two faculty members of the Department of Infectious Diseases completed professional training placements at Royal Free Hospital (London, United Kingdom) through the Medical Assistance and Medical Education (MAME) programme. Another faculty member received a grant to participate in the Annual Conference of the British HIV Association (BHIVA). In cooperation with the KSMA International Office, advanced English language courses were organized for academic staff, a series of open lectures was delivered by Dr. Alison Barbour, Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health, and grant proposals were prepared to support educational activities for healthcare professionals across the Kyrgyz Republic.

The seminar was made possible through a grant provided by Gilead Sciences, which approved the joint proposal submitted by KSMA and Green Shoots Foundation. During the two-day programme, participants discussed current international guidelines on HIV diagnosis and treatment, management of patients with co-infections, antiretroviral therapy, clinical case studies, and contemporary approaches to medical education.

The seminar brought together faculty members of medical universities, physicians from various specialties, clinical residents, and healthcare professionals, providing an effective platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing the professional competencies of healthcare workers in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The organization of such events represents an important contribution to the development of continuing medical education, the implementation of international standards of healthcare delivery, and the further strengthening of the partnership between the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy and Green Shoots Foundation.

International Seminar “Medical Education Programme in Kyrgyzstan: HIV and Co-infection Care” (2025)

On 24–25 September 2025, the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA), in partnership with the British charitable organization Green Shoots Foundation, organized the international scientific and educational seminar “Medical Education Programme in Kyrgyzstan: HIV and Co-infection Care.”

The seminar was held within the framework of the long-standing cooperation between KSMA and Green Shoots Foundation, aimed at advancing medical education, enhancing the professional competencies of healthcare practitioners, and promoting the implementation of modern international approaches to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis.

The event was made possible through the support of Gilead Sciences, which provided funding for the participation of international experts, simultaneous interpretation services, preparation of educational materials, and organizational expenses.

The seminar brought together leading international and national experts, representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, international organizations, KSMA faculty members, practicing physicians, and clinical residents. Invited international experts included:

Over the course of two days, participants discussed key issues related to the organization of HIV and tuberculosis care in the context of changing healthcare financing, the latest World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on antiretroviral therapy, challenges associated with drug-resistant tuberculosis, the diagnosis and management of opportunistic infections, care for patients with viral hepatitis, contemporary HIV/TB treatment strategies, and approaches to strengthening health systems.

Particular attention was devoted to interdisciplinary collaboration, the discussion of complex clinical cases, review of newly released international clinical guidelines, and the exchange of practical experience between Kyrgyz and international experts. Faculty members from the Departments of Infectious Diseases, Phthisiology, Internal Medicine, Epidemiology, and other KSMA academic units actively contributed to the programme by presenting their scientific research and clinical experience.

The seminar also featured interactive discussions, clinical case reviews, an educational quiz, and a certificate award ceremony. In addition, a dedicated educational programme was organized for medical interns and clinical residents, providing young physicians with a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading international experts and gain insights into global best practices in the diagnosis and management of HIV infection and related diseases.

The international seminar marked another important milestone in the successful partnership between KSMA and Green Shoots Foundation, reaffirming the University's commitment to the development of continuing medical education, strengthening international academic cooperation, and promoting evidence-based approaches in the healthcare system of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Participation of KSMA Faculty in the Medical Assistance and Medical Education (MAME) Programme (2026)

As part of the ongoing international cooperation between the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) and the British charitable organization Green Shoots Foundation, faculty members of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Isamidin Kubanychbekovich Omonov and Begaiym Ismailova, participated in the latest cycle of the Medical Assistance and Medical Education (MAME) international educational programme.

The MAME programme is designed to strengthen the training of healthcare professionals in the fields of HIV infection, tuberculosis, and other socially significant infectious diseases, while promoting the integration of modern educational technologies and international best clinical practices into medical education.

Participation in the programme enabled KSMA faculty members to enhance their professional competencies in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection and related diseases, become familiar with the latest international clinical guidelines, and gain insight into contemporary approaches to the organization of patient care.

The knowledge and experience acquired through the programme will be integrated into KSMA's educational and clinical activities, contributing to the continuous improvement of medical education and the training of undergraduate students, clinical residents, and healthcare professionals.

Within the framework of the bilateral cooperation between the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) and Green Shoots Foundation (UK), assistants of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Isamidin Kuvatbekovich Omonov and Begaiym Ismayylovna Ismayylova, completed a two-week professional exchange program at the North Manchester General Hospital.

The visit was generously supported by the Green Shoots Foundation. Such international exchange programs play an important role in enhancing physicians' knowledge, clinical skills, and professional approaches. The experience gained will contribute to improving the education of medical students and residents, as well as the quality of patient care.

At North Manchester General Hospital, under the guidance of Dr. Claire Van Halsema, the participants gained valuable insight into the organization of a large multidisciplinary hospital, including:

The participants also had the opportunity to work with researchers in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Manchester Royal Infirmary, including Dr. Peter, Dr. Shaaz, and Dr. George.

Leading specialists at Manchester Royal Infirmary shared their expertise in sequencing technologies, antimicrobial and antiviral resistance analysis, as well as modern PCR and ELISA laboratory techniques.

Manchester Royal Infirmary performs approximately 3.5 million laboratory tests annually.

The laboratory specializes in ELISA testing for:

The hospital's advanced laboratory equipment is capable of analyzing a wide range of biological specimens, including:

A single PCR unit staffed by only five specialists is capable of processing up to 800 PCR tests per day on one PCR analyzer.

International professional exchange programs such as this make a significant contribution to the development of the national healthcare system, promote scientific advancement, provide motivation for continued research, and strengthen long-term partnerships with colleagues from leading international medical institutions.