2011 Physicians With Heart Project

The 2011 Physicians With Heart Airlift returned to Kyrgyzstan, one of many underserved countries in Central Asia. This marked the 20th mission of Physicians With Heart and the fourth visit to Kyrgyzstan, following visits in 1996, 2003 and 2008. The purpose of the Physicians With Heart project is to procure and distribute medical aid, provide medical education to local physicians and to improve the quality of life for children in the host country. The 2011 PWH Airlift took place September 30th through October 9th, 2011.

About Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan (population: 5 million) is recovering from political upheaval in 2009, when a military coup forced a transition in government. As the political landscape stabilizes, Kyrgyz leaders are increasingly reaching out to foreign governments to help the country make significant, necessary advances for the good of its people (two-thirds of whom reside in rural areas and live below the national poverty line).

Health Care
Over the past 10 years, the Kyrgyz government has implemented national-level reforms to improve health, reduce the financial burden of seeking care and improve the quality of health care services. As part of these progressive reforms, primary-care services have been reorganized into Family Practice Groups (FPGs). PWH with the help of Project Hope assisted these groups, which were challenged by increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, communicable diseases and limited human resources.

Medical Education
Kyrgyz health officials were excited to continue health care development, using primary care as a foundation. They wanted to enhance learning from our projects in 1996, 2003 and 2008. To that end, Physicians With Heart conducted medical symposia, provided workshops on topics relevant to local family physicians and other health care providers.

The Children's Project, a companion program to Physicians With Heart, provided much needed items to children in orphanages, institutions, schools or hospitals in the recipient country.

Physicians With Heart planned two special projects to help vulnerable children in Kyrgyzstan. Volunteers had the opportunity to assist in the completion of a renovation project at a boarding school for orphans. They also brought a wide range of products including shoes, bedding, sewing machines, refrigerator, a washing machine, baby quilts, art/school supplies, clothing, games and personal hygiene items.