Better noncommunicable disease outcomes: challenges and opportunities for health systems: Kyrgyzstan country assessment: focus on cardiovascular disease

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular mortality in Kyrgyzstan has decreased over the past seven years in part due to impressive health system reforms. However, moving towards the 25 by 25 targets and addressing the sizeable gender gap in premature mortality present a significant challenge. While Kyrgyzstan has made some strides in implementing anti-smoking policies, reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and strengthening nutrition policies, there are still great opportunities through better enforcement and monitoring of legislation. Significant challenges also remain for coverage of core individual services especially in the effective diagnosis and management of key cardiovascular disease (CVD) conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. The report identifies key health system challenges that prevent greater coverage of core noncommunicable disease interventions and services, and proposes three strategic directions to accelerate gains in CVD outcomes.