Meeting of the Rectorate of KSMA with Representatives of KOICA (Republic of Korea)

On January 20, 2025, a meeting between the Rectorate of I. K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) and representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) office in the Kyrgyz Republic was held.

The meeting was attended by the university leadership: Rector I.O. Kudaibergenova, Vice-Rector for International Relations and Strategic Development G.A. Dzhumalieva, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Clinical Affairs N.N. Mamatov, as well as Head of the Department of General Hygiene A.A. Dzhorbaeva, Head of the International Relations Department T.B. Yusupova, Head of the Education Quality Management Department A.Dzh. Sultashev, and Assistant of the Department Zh.B. Ryskeldieva.

The delegation from the Republic of Korea included:

1. Park Woo Ha — Professor-Expert;

2. Jang Ji Eun — Deputy Director;

3. Kim Seung Yeon — Volunteer Program Coordinator;

4. Bermet — Junior Assistant, Interpreter.

Within the framework of the World Friends Korea (WFK) Volunteer Program, implemented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha arrived at KSMA to work at the Department of General Hygiene with the purpose of developing and delivering a series of training seminars and lectures for departmental staff.

The training program covers water quality assessment methods, modern water treatment technologies, and water resource management strategies.

In addition, the expert provides support for research projects, including data analysis, preparation of analytical reports, and publication of research results. He also assists researchers in preparing and publishing scientific articles based on conducted studies, thereby contributing to the dissemination of knowledge on sustainable water supply methods.

KOICA Expert Lecture on Modern Water Treatment Methods

In February 2025, a lecture entitled “Modern Water Treatment Methods” was held at the Department of General Hygiene and delivered by the international expert of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha, in cooperation with the Department of General Hygiene.

The event was organized for second-year students of the LDAYAO Faculty and aimed at expanding their knowledge in the field of water hygiene, sanitary safety, and modern water treatment technologies.

During the lecture, Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha presented internationally applied approaches to drinking water purification, including membrane technologies, biological and physico-chemical treatment methods, as well as innovative solutions to ensure safe drinking water supply for the population.

Special attention was paid to issues of drinking water quality, prevention of waterborne diseases, and the role of modern treatment technologies in protecting public health. The lecture was accompanied by presentation materials and practical examples of the implementation of these technologies in various countries.

The students demonstrated a high level of interest, actively participated in discussions, and asked questions regarding the prospects of applying modern water treatment methods in the conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The organization of such events contributes to strengthening international cooperation, improving the professional training of future specialists, and introducing advanced international experience into the educational process of the Department of General Hygiene.

Meeting on Cooperation in the Field of Modern Water Treatment Methods

The Department of General Hygiene, together with the international expert of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha, held a working meeting at Kyrgyz National University (KNU) dedicated to discussing prospects for cooperation in the field of water treatment and the implementation of modern purification technologies.

During the meeting, key areas of cooperation were considered, including scientific research in the field of water hygiene, development and implementation of modern drinking and wastewater treatment methods, and adaptation of advanced international experience to the conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Particular attention was paid to the training of scientific personnel. The parties discussed opportunities for the development of doctoral students and young researchers, their involvement in joint research projects, conduct of scientific studies, publication of research papers, and participation in international educational and research programs in the field of water treatment and public health protection.

Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary and international approach to addressing water quality challenges and expressed his readiness for further cooperation aimed at strengthening scientific and educational capacity.

The meeting became an important step in strengthening academic partnership, expanding scientific cooperation, and creating favorable conditions for introducing modern water treatment technologies into the educational and research processes.

Lecture on Modern Water Treatment Methods and Their Impact on Human Health

The Department of General Hygiene, in cooperation with the international expert of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha, conducted a lecture for the academic staff of Kyrgyz National University (KNU) as well as for master’s degree students on the topic “Modern Water Treatment Methods and Their Impact on Human Health.”

The lecture addressed modern drinking water treatment technologies, including physico-chemical, biological, and membrane methods, as well as their significance in ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population.

Special attention was given to the relationship between water quality and human health, prevention of waterborne diseases, and reduction of risks associated with harmful contaminants.

Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha presented international experience in the implementation of modern water treatment technologies, highlighting their role in improving public health indicators and ensuring sustainable development of water supply systems. The lecture was supported by analytical data and practical case examples.

The audience demonstrated strong interest in the topic, actively participated in discussions, and exchanged views, confirming the relevance of water quality and hygiene issues in educational and scientific activities.

Five-Day Seminar on Modern Issues of Water Supply Hygiene and Water Treatment

The Department of General Hygiene, in cooperation with the international expert of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha, conducted a five-day training seminar for staff of профильные (specialized) departments.

Participants of the seminar included representatives of the Department of Public Health, the Department of General Hygiene and Hygienic Disciplines, the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, and the Department of General and Clinical Epidemiology.

The seminar was dedicated to current issues of water supply hygiene, modern water treatment methods, and their significance for protecting public health. The training program covered the following lecture topics:

• Introduction to water supply hygiene, including World Health Organization (WHO) standards;

• International experience and practical case studies from the Republic of Korea in water supply and water treatment;

• Modern drinking water treatment technologies;

• Wastewater treatment and sanitary-hygienic aspects;

• Decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS);

• Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry water treatment systems (POU/POE);

• Water disinfection technologies (chlorination, ozonation, ultraviolet disinfection);

• Water quality and water supply challenges in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The seminar had an interdisciplinary character and was aimed at enhancing the professional competence of lecturers and specialists in hygiene, epidemiology, and public health. Lectures were accompanied by discussions, analysis of practical cases, and exchange of professional experience.

Within the framework of the seminar, educational materials were also developed and distributed in both printed form and electronic formats (USB storage devices), enabling the use of acquired knowledge in the educational process and scientific work.

Meeting on the Implementation of Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems

A working meeting was held at the Department of General Hygiene to discuss the implementation of Point-of-Use (POU) water treatment systems.

During the meeting, the main advantages and limitations of applying POU technologies were considered, as well as their impact on human health.

Participants discussed the effectiveness of POU systems in improving drinking water quality, reducing microbiological and chemical contamination, and their role in preventing waterborne diseases. Particular attention was paid to safety issues, operational reliability, the need for regular technical maintenance, and water quality monitoring.

Potential risks and limitations associated with the implementation of POU systems were also analyzed, including dependence of effectiveness on operating conditions, source water quality, and user awareness.

As a result of the meeting, promising directions for further work were identified, including pilot studies, assessment of the hygienic effectiveness of POU systems, and development of recommendations for their implementation in compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements and public health considerations.

 Introductory Seminar by a Korean Expert on Wastewater Treatment Methods

An introductory seminar on modern wastewater treatment methods was conducted for the staff of the “Green Office” with the participation of an expert from the Republic of Korea — Yoo Nam Jong.

During the seminar, the expert presented an author’s methodology for wastewater treatment based on modern engineering and environmental approaches, as well as international experience in implementing sustainable technologies in the field of wastewater management and environmental protection.

Special attention was given to issues of environmental safety, reduction of anthropogenic impact on the environment, and improvement of the efficiency of treatment systems.

The seminar had a practical focus and was aimed at enhancing the professional competence of the Green Office staff and expanding their knowledge in environmental technologies and sustainable water resource management.

Yoo Nam Jong is an international expert in environmental engineering and wastewater treatment.

Education:

• PhD in Environmental and Life Science Engineering, Myongji University, 2010

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, 2004

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 1989

Professional Activity:

• Chairman, Ilshin Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd.

Professional Affiliations:

• Vice President, Korea Environmental Industry Association (since January 2016 – present)

• Vice President, Korea Engineering Association – Environmental Resource Council

Implementation of an Innovative Point-of-Use Water Treatment Project at KSMA

An innovative water treatment project was implemented at the Department of General Hygiene of I. K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy in cooperation with the Green Office, with the support of the international expert of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Professor-Expert Park Woo Ha.

Within the framework of the project, modern Point-of-Use water treatment equipment Archa POU was installed to provide safe drinking water directly at the point of consumption.

The system successfully demonstrated high efficiency by purifying water from the Ala-Archa River to levels meeting sanitary and hygienic drinking water standards.

The Archa POU system incorporates a multi-stage water treatment technology, including mechanical filtration, removal of chemical contaminants, and disinfection stages, significantly reducing microbiological and chemical health risks. High performance and reliability of the equipment were confirmed during practical operation.

Practical training sessions were conducted for students of the Medical Engineering and General Medicine faculties, demonstrating all stages of water purification and disinfection using the installed Archa POU system. Students gained hands-on experience with modern water treatment equipment and assessed its hygienic effectiveness and importance in preventing waterborne diseases.