This project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Development Policy Institute.

The humanitarian aid has been provided in the form of food packages: flour, pasta, granulated sugar, buckwheat, condensed milk, tea, vegetable oil. Each family in need has received this food package worth about 1,200 soms. The list of vulnerable people mainly included low-income families with children with disabilities.

All products have been locally purchased through an open competition. To ensure transparency and accountability local commissions were created, which included representatives of aiyl okmotu and mayor offices, deputies of aiyl kenesh, members of joint monitoring and evaluation groups and active representatives of local communities.

The commissions have participated in receipt and distribution of assistance to persons in need of humanitarian aid according to the list taking into account previously received assistance from other sources.

In addition, the Swiss project has provided antiseptics for visitors and staff of aiyl okmotu and mayor offices.

The allocated funds were used to provide basic food and hygiene products for the vulnerable groups of population in partner municipalities, including people who have lost their source of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has put thousands of people at risk, especially vulnerable groups, large families, and those left without income sources. That is why the help from the Public Service Improvement project is very timely and necessary,” said Akmoldoev Baktybek, Head of the Oktyabr municipality of the Aksuu district.

The representatives of local self-governments, together with district departments for social protection, prepared the lists of families who are the most in need of assistance and a list of necessary essential products. In order to ensure a safe distribution, the local governments are cooperating with local health committees and other organizations

“We are a large family with five children. Because of the coronavirus, my husband does not have a job right now, and therefore we were in urgent need for food. We express our deep gratitude on behalf of our family to our Ayil-Okmotu, the Swiss Government and Swiss project for the provided support,” said Nurzat Tologonova, a resident of Maman village of Aksuu district.

Municipalities engaged at the frontlines continue to provide support to the population and are making significant efforts to prevent further spreading of COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Public Service Improvement project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Helvetas Kyrgyzstan and Development Policy Institute.

The Public Service Improvement project improves living conditions of people in rural areas through improved quality of and access to public services provided by municipalities.