KSMA and the UN World Food Programme Implement a Project on Monitoring Drinking Water Safety and Sanitation in Educational Institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic
The I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy is implementing a joint project with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) aimed at assessing and monitoring drinking water safety, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in educational institutions across the Kyrgyz Republic.
The project is being implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 17 August 2026 and covers preschool educational institutions and general education schools located in all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
As part of the project, a comprehensive assessment of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions is being conducted in 122 educational institutions, including preschools and general education schools.
Key Areas of Work
The project specialists monitor the condition of drinking water supply systems, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene conditions in educational institutions.
The main areas of work include:
- assessing the availability and safety of drinking water;
- monitoring the condition of drinking water sources and supply systems;
- assessing sanitation and hygiene conditions in educational institutions;
- identifying potential risks related to drinking water quality, sanitation, and hygiene;
- collecting drinking water samples for subsequent laboratory analysis;
- collecting, systematizing, and analyzing the data obtained;
- preparing practical recommendations to improve drinking water supply, sanitation, and hygiene conditions.
Laboratory Assessment of Drinking Water Quality
An important component of the project is the laboratory assessment of drinking water quality and safety. Selected parameters of the water samples are analyzed at the KSMA Laboratory for Drinking Water Quality Assessment.
The laboratory findings complement the data collected during field monitoring activities and enable a more comprehensive assessment of drinking water supply conditions in the educational institutions surveyed.
The data obtained are used to identify potential risks associated with drinking water quality and to determine areas requiring further attention and improvement.
Project Participants
The project is being implemented with the participation of specialists from the Department of General Hygiene and the Department of General and Clinical Epidemiology of the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, as well as Dr. Park Woo Ha, a volunteer of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The specialists are involved in monitoring activities, assessment of sanitation and hygiene conditions, collection of drinking water samples, laboratory testing, analysis of results, and preparation of recommendations.
Significance of the Project
Systematic monitoring of drinking water supply, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in schools and preschools provides up-to-date information on the situation in different regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The results of the project will be used to identify existing problems and potential risks related to drinking water safety and sanitation and hygiene conditions, as well as to develop evidence-based practical recommendations for their improvement.
The project contributes to strengthening cooperation between scientific and educational institutions and international organizations, while promoting practical approaches in public health, disease prevention, safe water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.
The I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy continues to develop scientific and practical activities aimed at promoting a safe and healthy educational environment for children and staff of educational institutions throughout the Kyrgyz Republic.
