№1 (2026)

Introduction. In recent years, digital technologies have been actively introduced into the healthcare system of the Kyrgyz Republic. Electronic medical records, laboratory databases, and information systems generate large volumes of biomedical data. These data are of great importance for diagnosis, treatment, scientific research, and healthcare management. At the same time, their use is associated with risks of data breaches and unauthorized access. Objective. The purpose of this article is to review the existing regulatory and legal acts of the Kyrgyz Republic regulating the handling of biomedical data, including issues of cybersecurity in healthcare. Materials and Methods. A review of the current regulatory and legal documents of the Kyrgyz Republic governing the management of biomedical and medical data was conducted, combined with an analysis of international requirements for biomedical data governance. Results. Legal regulation is fragmented in nature and requires further improvement. Conclusion. Improving legislation and strengthening measures in digitalization and cybersecurity will ensure more reliable data protection and create conditions for their effective use in medical and scientific activities.

Introduction. New estimates of the prevalence of viral hepatitis indicate a slight decrease compared to 2019, but the overall incidence remains high. Kyrgyzstan is among the countries with high endemicity for viral hepatitis. Goal. To determine the prevalence of viral hepatitis B among the population of the Kyrgyz Republic by indicators. Materials and research methods. A cross-sectional (transverse) method with age stratification was used. The sample was formed based on age data and territorial structures of the population. The sample size (n = 12661) for each age category was calculated according to the WHO Population-based agestratified seroepidemiological investigation protocol for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection, version 2.27.04.2020. The statistical analysis was carried out using the Epi Info software tool. Results and discussion. The age range of the study is from 0 to 70 years and older. Participants aged 0 to 29 years made up 37.6%, from 30-59 years — 44.1%, over 60 years — 18.3%. 371 positive cases of hepatitis B virus were detected in the country, which was 3.07% (95% CI: 2.77-3.77). In children aged 0-9 years, the percentage of positive cases was 0.66%. A high prevalence of hepatitis B is observed in Osh region and Osh city (4.09%), while residents of Talas region, on the contrary, have the lowest percentage (2.13%). Conclusion. The relevance of the data obtained demonstrates the high prevalence of HBV among the population aged 30 to 60 years. A lower incidence rate is observed in children and adolescents under the age of 19, which indicates the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination, which was included in the calendar of preventive vaccinations in 2001.

Introduction. Lead (Pb) is a priority toxicant that adversely affects the health of young children, particularly during periods of intensive neurocognitive and somatic development [4]. Despite the existence of local environmental protection and sanitary-epidemiological safety programs, until 2024 the Kyrgyz Republic lacked systematic population-based data on blood lead concentrations among children aged 13–72 months. This gap hindered objective assessment of the problem’s magnitude, risk stratification, and planning of evidence-based preventive measures. [1]. Objective. To assess blood lead levels among children under 6 years of age and to estimate the prevalence of elevated blood lead. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in 21 settlements of the Republic. Of these, 18 were classified as lead-safe areas; a total of 930 children aged 13–72 months were included from these locations. In the remaining three settlements, elevated lead levels were identified — the so-called lead-affected provinces — namely Sovetskoye village (Batken Region), the city of Mailuu-Suu (Jalal-Abad Region), and Ak-Tyuz village (Chui Region). Data were collected from 173 children in these areas. In total, 1,103 children were included in the study.The sample was formed using a multistage random sampling design with sequential selection of regions, settlements, households, and children, ensuring representativeness by geographic distribution, settlement type, and socio-environmental living conditions. Laboratory screening of blood lead concentration was performed on capillary blood using the portable LeadCare II analyzer with a minimum detection limit of 3.3 µg/dL [2]. The environmental component included household assessments using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to detect lead on surfaces and household items [4,5]. In addition, questionnaires administered to parents and caregivers were used to examine behavioral, household, and environmental factors of potential exposure that may increase the risk of lead intoxication among children [1,4,5]. Results. At the national level, one in five children (21%) in Kyrgyzstan had elevated blood lead levels exceeding the threshold requiring action according to WHO recommendations (5 µg/dL). This finding is of concern, as the data represent population-level lead exposure among young children in the general population, not only among those living in environmentally contaminated areas. Nationwide, blood lead exposure varied by demographic characteristics and region in the nationally representative sample. Higher blood lead levels were observed among boys, older children, children living in rural areas, and those whose parents/caregivers had lower educational attainment. Children residing in contaminated areas had significantly higher blood lead levels compared with the national population average. Mean blood lead levels were higher among boys than girls in contaminated areas. Conclusions. The study provides the first national evidence-based assessment of lead burden among children aged 13–72 months in Kyrgyzstan, confirming territorial heterogeneity, the cumulative nature of Pb exposure, and the applicability of portable and reference laboratory methods for future surveillance cycles. The findings constitute a factual basis for deeper analytical and epidemiological assessments and for the subsequent expansion of blood lead monitoring programs in the pediatric population.

Introduction. To detect antibodies to the hepatitis E virus (HEV), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the preferred method with a quantitative assessment of results. This method, based on strict criteria, allows for the precise determination of the quantity of antibodies, enabling reliable diagnosis and epidemiological monitoring. The aim. To develop a test system for measuring the concentration of IgG antibodies against HEV in human serum using indirect ELISA, and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy. Materials and methods. Reagents kits «DS-ELISA-ANTI-HEV-G» (Diagnostic Systems, Russia) and «recomWeel HEV IgG» (Euroimmun, Germany) were used, as well as WHO International Standard Samples of Anti- Hepatitis E Serum (NIBSC, England) and immunoreagents from the «I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera»: recombinant antigen ORF2/3-HEV1/3, monoclonal antibodies to human IgG conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (Sorbent, Russia), and specific polyclonal rabbit antibodies for the protein ORF2/3-HEVI/3 conjugated with human IgG. Blood serum samples from healthy individuals and those infected with hepatitis A, B, C, E, HIV and herpes viruses. Results and discussion. It has been developed of enzyme immunoassay kit reagents called «Screen-HEV-IgG» to determine the concentration of hepatitis E virus IgG (AT-HEV) in human blood serum. The kit uses an indirect ELISA method to measure the concentration of AT-HEV in IU/ml. An artificial calibrator has been synthesized and standardized based on the World Health Organization's international standard «Anti-Hepatitis E Serum, Human», NIBSC code 95/584, to determine the AT-HEV concentration. The main functional characteristics of «Screen-HEV-IgG» were determined according to GOST 51352-2013 requirements. The kit was tested on blood serum samples from patients with hepatitis E (n=75) and healthy individuals (n=320). According to ROC analysis, the diagnostic sensitivity of the kit is 98.7%, and the diagnostic specificity is 99.9%. There was no cross-reactivity observed with samples containing serological markers for other viral hepatitis or liver pathology of different etiologies (n=83). Comparative tests of the «Screen-HEV-IgG» and its commercial counterpart, «recomWeel HEV IgG», demonstrated a higher level of diagnostic accuracy for the developed reagent kit. Conclusion. The developed test system has a high diagnostic accuracy and can be recommended for clinical use to determine the concentration of IgG antibodies to HЕV.

Introduction.Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain one of the most common bacterial pathologies and a significant problem of modern medicine, which is associated both with high morbidity and with the increasing antimicrobial resistance of pathogens. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial landscape and the level of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of UTI pathogens based on data from the bacteriological laboratory of the Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance (CSSES) of Bishkek for 2019–2020. Materials and Methods. During the study, 17,481 urine samples were analyzed. Bacteriological diagnostics included classical culture methods, express screening using the HB&L analyzer, identification of microorganisms and determination of their antibiotic susceptibility by the disk diffusion method, as well as detection of ESBL-producing enterobacteria and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Results and Discussion. It was found that the leading causative agents of UTIs were representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family (71.1%), among which Escherichia coli predominated (82.6–84.5%). A significant proportion was also represented by Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. (14.1% each). During the study period, an almost fourfold increase in the total number of isolated microorganisms was observed, reflecting an increase in the detection of urogenital infections. A tendency toward an increase in the number of ESBL-producing strains, mainly due to E. coli, was identified, as well as an increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci, including coagulase-negative species. Conclusion. The highest susceptibility of uropathogens, especially E. coli, was observed to carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem), whereas variable and, in some cases, reduced susceptibility to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides was identified. The obtained data emphasize the need for continuous microbiological monitoring and rational selection of antimicrobial therapy to slow the spread of antibiotic resistance in UTIs.

Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain one of the leading causes of increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Their occurrence is directly associated with invasive procedures, extended hospitalization, and insufficient effectiveness of infection prevention and control systems as well as limited microbiological diagnostics.
Objective. To assess the prevalence of HAIs and identify the main risk factors for their development in healthcare facilities in Bishkek.
Materials and Methods. A point prevalence study was conducted in hospitals in Bishkek. The analysis included data from 707 inpatients. The presence of HAIs, distribution of hospital departments, frequency of invasive procedures, length of hospital stay, extent of microbiological testing, and use of antibacterial therapy were evaluated.
Results and Discussion. The prevalence of HAIs was 2.8%. The most common conditions were clinical sepsis and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Microbiological confirmation was performed in only 0.8% of patients. Statistically significant risk factors included vascular catheterization, presence of drains, surgical interventions, and hospitalization longer than 7 days. The structure of hospital admissions showed a predominance of obstetric-gynecological, surgical, and pediatric departments. Antibacterial therapy was administered to 36.4% of patients, which substantially exceeds the proportion of confirmed HAIs and indicates widespread empirical antibiotic use.
Conclusion. The findings highlight the need to strengthen microbiological diagnostics, implement antimicrobial stewardship programs, and further improve infection prevention and control systems in healthcare facilities.

Introduction. Measles and rubella remain important public health concerns despite long-standing vaccination programmes. In recent years, countries in Europe and Central Asia have experienced a resurgence of measles, driven by fluctuations in vaccination coverage and disruptions of routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing the epidemiological situation in the Kyrgyz Republic is essential for achieving the WHO regional goals for measles and rubella elimination.
Objective — to evaluate long-term trends in measles and rubella incidence in the Kyrgyz Republic during 2002-2025 and to assess the impact of vaccination coverage on the epidemic process.
Materials and methods. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using official national data on disease incidence and population demographics. Annual incidence rates, inter-epidemic fluctuations and epidemic peaks were analyzed. Measles virus genotyping was performed in a WHO-accredited reference laboratory.
Results. Four major measles outbreaks were identified during the study period: in 2011, 2024-2015, 2018-2019 and 2023-2025. The largest outbreak in 2014-2015 reached 297.7 per 100 000 population and was associated with circulation of the imported D8 genotype. The 2023-2024 surge was characterized by the spread of multiple genetic variants. Inter-epidemic periods showed low incidence levels, indicating the accumulation of susceptible individuals when vaccination coverage declines. Rubella incidence demonstrated a sustained long-term decrease, presenting mostly sporadic cases after 2010, consistent with pre-elimination status. Key factors contributing to measles outbreaks included insufficient vaccination coverage, population mobility and the impact of COVID-19-related disruptions.
Conclusion. Kyrgyzstan is close to achieving rubella elimination; however, sustaining measles elimination requires vaccination coverage ≥95 %, strengthened epidemiological surveillance and molecular monitoring of circulating strains.

Introduction. In the context of increasing risks of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections (VPI), including measles, diphtheria, and pertussis, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the level of awareness among healthcare workers in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Objective. To identify knowledge regarding key aspects of VPI epidemiology, regulatory framework, vaccination practices, contraindications, and causes of vaccine refusal among the population.
Materials and Methods. A survey was conducted among medical professionals from five regions: Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Talas, and Issyk-Kul regions. The study included 802 respondents — physicians and mid-level healthcare workers. The survey was conducted from November 25 to December 16, 2024.
Results. Measles was recognized as the most significant VPI (75.1% of responses), yet only 62% of participants correctly identified the relevant regulatory document — Order No. 237 of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic. The study also revealed insufficient knowledge regarding response algorithms in infection foci and medical contraindications to vaccination. Notably, 53% of respondents identified a low level of public awareness as the primary reason for vaccine refusal.
Recommendations. Based on the data obtained, practical measures have been proposed to enhance the epidemiological preparedness of the healthcare system. These include the implementation of online training courses for healthcare workers with an emphasis on regulatory documents, annual knowledge assessments, and large-scale public awareness campaigns through intersectoral collaboration.
Conclusions. The results of the study highlight the need for a systematic approach to training medical personnel and updating their knowledge in the field of infection control. This is particularly important in the context of an unstable epidemiological situation and for the implementation of an effective national VPI prevention strategy.

Introduction. Preventive vaccinations are one of the most effective and cost-effective tools for preventing infectious diseases. In conditions of limited healthcare resources, especially in countries with transitional economies like the Kyrgyz Republic, vaccination is not only a medical measure but also a significant socioeconomic investment. Assessing its effectiveness involves analyzing not only epidemiological data but also public awareness, attitudes toward vaccination, and practices related to participation in immunization programs.
Objective – to identify socio-demographic and behavioral factors influencing the population’s attitude towards vaccination, and to assess their role in the socio-economic effectiveness of immunization programs in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted in July 2025 among residents of various regions of the Kyrgyz Republic. The aim of the study was to comprehensively examine the population's knowledge about vaccination, attitudes toward preventive vaccinations, and the factors influencing these attitudes, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.
Results.The study found that the population of the Kyrgyz Republic has a basic level of knowledge about vaccination, but in-depth awareness is limited. Most understand that vaccinations are intended to prevent infectious diseases, but only a minority can name specific illnesses. Overall attitudes toward vaccination are positive (77.1%), but some remain hesitant (9.1%) and completely reject vaccination (2%). Key barriers include fear of possible side effects, lack of information about vaccine composition and safety, the influence of misinformation, and religious and cultural factors. Healthcare workers remain the primary source of information for the public (59.4%).
Conclusion. Comprehensive improvements in information, accessibility, and communication will increase public confidence in vaccination and expand the coverage of preventive vaccinations.

Introduction. Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are a key mechanism for protecting the rights of research participants and maintaining trust in science. In low- and middle-income countries, ethical oversight systems often face regulatory and institutional constraints, which became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Kyrgyz Republic, data on the functioning of RECs remain limited. Objective. To assess the activities of RECs in the Kyrgyz Republic and to identify factors limiting the effectiveness of ethical review under both routine and public health emergency conditions. Materials and Methods. A mixed-methods study design was employed, including quantitative analysis of survey data from REC members and qualitative analysis of interviews with REC chairpersons and researchers. Results and Discussion. Eight out of nine functioning RECs were included in the analysis. Significant variability in workload and limited interdisciplinary representation were identified. Only 18.2% of REC members had formal training in bioethics, including one member holding a Master’s degree in bioethics and a certificate of advanced training in research ethics, while 45.5% had no specialized training. The main challenges identified were insufficient bioethical literacy among researchers, lack of standardized procedures, and regulatory gaps, particularly regarding non-medical research. International registration of RECs remains fragmented. Conclusion. Key systemic limitations affecting the functioning of RECs were identified, including the absence of a unified regulatory framework; exclusion of non-medical research from the existing ethical oversight system; limited access to international ethical standards due to language barriers; fragmented international registration of RECs; institutional deficiencies in professional training of REC members; and challenges faced by researchers in communicating with RECs due to insufficient knowledge of research ethics.

Introduction. Tuberculosis remains a significant public health problem in Kyrgyzstan. Anxiety and depression are common comorbid conditions that affect treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. However, data on the psychoemotional status of patients with tuberculosis in the country remain limited. Objective. To assess levels of anxiety and depression among outpatients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to determine their association with age and duration of therapy using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 401 patients receiving outpatient treatment in four regions of Kyrgyzstan. Anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) were assessed using the HADS instrument. Data were analyzed by age groups (18–29, 30–49, ≥50 years) and treatment duration (<4, 4–12, >12 months). Nonparametric statistical methods (Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson’s χ² test) were applied. Clinically significant symptomatology was defined at a cut-off value of ≥8 points. Data collection was performed using the KoBoToolbox platform, and statistical analysis and graphical visualization were conducted in R version 4.4.3 (2025-02-28, ucrt) using RStudio version 2025.09.2 (Build 418) (Posit Software, USA). Results and Discussion. Elevated anxiety (≥8 points on HADS-A) was identified in 29.4% of patients, while elevated depression (≥8 points on HADSD) was detected in 39.4%. Anxiety levels were significantly higher in the 30–49-year age group (p=0.035), whereas depression was significantly more prevalent among patients aged ≥50 years (p=0.0098). Treatment duration was not associated with anxiety levels; however, a borderline increasing trend in depression was observed among patients receiving therapy for more than 12 months. Conclusions. Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among patients with tuberculosis. Depression is more common in individuals aged over 50 years, whereas anxiety predominates among middle-aged patients. These findings underscore the need for routine mental health screening and strengthened psychosocial support within outpatient tuberculosis management programs in Kyrgyzstan.

Introduction. Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in Kyrgyzstan, and anxiety and depression are common comorbid conditions that affect treatment adherence and outcomes. However, data on the psychoemotional status of patients with tuberculosis in the country remain limited. Objective. To assess the levels of anxiety and depression among outpatients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to determine their association with age and duration of therapy using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 401 patients receiving outpatient treatment in four regions of Kyrgyzstan. Anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) levels were assessed using the HADS instrument. Data were analyzed by age groups (18–29, 3049, ≥50 years) and treatment duration (<4, 4–12, >12 months). Nonparametric statistical methods (Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson’s χ² test) were applied. Clinically significant symptomatology was defined at a cut-off value of ≥8 points. Data collection was performed using the KoBoToolbox platform, and statistical analysis and graphical visualization were conducted in R version 4.4.3 (2025-02-28, ucrt) using RStudio version 2025.09.2 (Build 418) (Posit Software, USA). Results and Discussion. Elevated anxiety (≥8 points on HADS-A) was identified in 29.4% of patients, while elevated depression (≥8 points on HADSD) was detected in 39.4%. Anxiety levels were significantly higher in the 30–49-year age group (p=0.035), whereas depression was more prevalent among patients aged ≥50 years (p=0.0098). Treatment duration was not associated with anxiety levels; however, a borderline trend toward increased depression was observed among patients receiving therapy for more than 12 months. Conclusions. Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among patients with tuberculosis. Depression is more common in patients aged over 50 years, whereas anxiety predominates in middle-aged patients. These findings underscore the need for routine mental health screening and strengthened psychosocial support within outpatient tuberculosis care programs in Kyrgyzstan.

Introduction. The Kyrgyz Republic is one of the 7 countries with the highest rates of growth in the incidence of viral hepatitis in the world, which actualizes the problem under consideration from a socio-demographic perspective in ensuring the protection and promotion of the health of the country's population. Goal. Analysis of the long-term dynamics of viral hepatitis B based on retrospective data depending on the age category and regions of the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods of research. The information was collected by accessing archived data from reports on the incidence of viral hepatitis B in all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past 10-15 years. Laboratory tests were confirmed by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the Excel program. Results and discussion. HBV disease covers all age categories, affecting even children as young as one month old. The majority of those infected in 2009, 23.8‱, were people aged 20-29 years, but in 2020 the figure decreased 6 times to 4.52‱. In the teenage period of 10-19 years, the coefficient decreased to 0.2‱ (2024) compared to 14.5‱ in 2011, the same results are shown by other studies. Bishkek has the highest incidence of 5.4‱ and Jalal-Abad region 5.0‱. Talas region shows low rates of 3.3‱ and Naryn region 2.0‱. Conclusions. In several regions, there has not been a single case of hepatitis among children under 1 year of age in the last 10 years. There is a change in the age composition towards the prevalence of an adult able-bodied, unvaccinated population. Currently, work is underway to further expand the indications for vaccination against hepatitis B virus in vulnerable groups of the population.

Introduction. This article presents findings on the prevalence of bloodborne viral hepatitis among healthcare workers in the Chui Region.
Objective. To assess the prevalence of bloodborne viral hepatitis among healthcare workers in the Chui Region and to determine their level of hepatitis B vaccination coverage.
Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Information, including vaccination records and data for 2024, was collected from healthcare facilities in the Chui Region. Statistical data processing and analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel.
Results. The findings indicate a persistent risk of infection and highlight the need to strengthen workplace preventive measures.
Conclusion. The study showed that bloodborne viral hepatitis remains epidemiologically significant among healthcare workers in the Chui Region. The detection rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) vary by age, length of service, and frequency of blood contact, reflecting cumulative occupational risk.

Introduction. Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are traditionally among the most common infectious diseases in the world and account for a significant proportion of the total morbidity each year. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of influenza, ARVI and COVID-19 in the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. The research materials were reports from the Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance (DDPSSES) on the incidence of ARVI, influenza and COVID-19 for the period 2020-2025. Data from the Electronic Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republican Headquarters for Combating Coronavirus Infection were also used. Results and discussions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of ARVI and influenza temporarily decreased, which is associated with changes in the structure of respiratory morbidity, the emergence of a new infection and the impact of quarantine measures. The dynamics of COVID19 incidence in the Kyrgyz Republic is characterized by a pronounced fourwave structure, reflecting the phased and heterogeneous nature of the epidemic process. A low level of COVID-19 incidence among children compared to the adult population has been noted, which is confirmed by the results of seroepidemiological studies: at the beginning of the pandemic, 16.5% of children aged 0-9 years had antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and witheach stage of the study, this figure increased to 79.9%. Conclusion. The share of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in the overall population morbidity rate has varied from 60% to 77% over the observed period. The COVID-19 pandemic's morbidity dynamics in Kyrgyzstan have been similar to global pandemic trends.

Introduction. To assess the impact of environmental pollution on the quality of plant-based food products, a study was conducted on the content of toxic metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, antimony, and selenium) in carrots and potatoes grown in Batken Region (zone of technogenic impact) and Talas Region (control zone). In Batken, 16 potato samples and 7 carrot samples were collected; in Talas, 19 potato samples and 8 carrot samples were taken. In total, 50 samples were analyzed, including peeled and unpeeled fractions of root crops. Objective of the study. To evaluate the content of toxic metals in the peel and pulp of potatoes and carrots grown in regions with different levels of technogenic load, and to determine potential risks to public health. Materials and methods. The determination of toxic element content was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data were processed using statistical methods. Results. The analysis showed that in samples from Batken Region, the concentrations of most toxic elements were significantly higher, especially in the peels of vegetables, despite thorough preliminary washing. The highest levels of contamination were observed for cadmium, antimony, mercury, and arsenic, and in some cases the concentrations of cadmium and mercury exceeded the established maximum permissible concentrations (MPC). The obtained data indicate a pronounced ability of the peel to accumulate toxic metals, and the consumption of vegetables grown under conditions of technogenic impact may lead to potential risks to public health. Conclusion. The conducted study showed that in carrots and potatoes grown in areas with technogenic impact in the Batken region, the concentrations of toxic metals (As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Pb) were significantly higher compared to the control area. The highest levels were detected in the peel, indicating a potential health risk with regular consumption. The results highlight the systematic accumulation of metals by plants from the soil and emphasize the need for regular monitoring of vegetable quality, as well as public health education among the population.

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the 21st century has firmly established itself as one of the leading global threats to health systems. The World Health Organization classifies AMR among the key threats to global health, emphasizing that the growing share of resistant strains undermines the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy and calls into question the safety of surgical procedures, transplantation, chemotherapy, and intensive care. Aim of the study. To synthesize international and regional experience in AMR surveillance and, on this basis, scientifically substantiate approaches to building an antimicrobial resistance monitoring system using the city of Bishkek as a case study, adapted to the conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic’s health system and aligned with the standards of GLASS, CAESAR, and EARSNet. Materials and methods. The article is a narrative and analytical review. The review includes: (1) global and regional reports of the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as well as reports from the GLASS, EARS-Net, and CAESAR networks; (2) international publications on the global burden of AMR, its economic consequences, and surveillance models; (3) national regulatory and methodo- logical documents of the Kyrgyz Republic; and (4) reports and conceptual documents of international initiatives based on the “One Health” approach and projects implemented in Central Asian countries. Results and discussion. The review shows that, according to GLASS data, one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections is already resistant to standard therapy, with the greatest AMR burden occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Gram-negative pathogens ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) play a particularly important role, demonstrating high levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Robust surveillance systems require standardized laboratory diagnostic methods, clearly defined lists of priority pathogens and clinical specimens, and sustainable channels for data transmission and analysis. For Bishkek, as the country’s main medical center, key gaps were identified: the absence of stable local resistance maps, fragmentation of data between public and private laboratories, limited access of clinicians to aggregated data, and weak links with antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control programs. Conclusion. The conducted review confirms that establishing an AMR monitoring system using Bishkek as a case study is scientifically and practically justified. Adapting the principles of GLASS, CAESAR, and EARS-Net to the conditions of Kyrgyzstan will make it possible to develop a list of priority pathogens and clinical specimens for surveillance and to create a prototype of a unified city-level AMR database. The proposed model may serve as a pilot framework for subsequent scaling to other regions of the country and for strengthening the resilience of the national health system to the AMR threat.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rapid managerial decision-making in a context of high uncertainty. One of the key tools in this regard has been mathematical modeling, which enables interpretation of the current epidemiological situation and projection of possible future scenarios. Objective. To systematize existing approaches to mathematical modeling of COVID-19 and evaluate their relevance for resource-constrained regions. Materials and Methods. The article presents a structured literature review of contemporary approaches to mathematical modeling of the COVID-19 epidemic. It examines classical compartmental models (SIR, SEIR and their modifications), time-series models (ARIMA, SSA), hybrid models incorporating artificial intelligence elements, as well as agent-based and stochastic models. Results. The applicability of these models has been analyzed across various epidemiological contexts, including resource-limited countries such as the Kyrgyz Republic. Special attention is given to the application of the SEIR model within the CoMo Consortium platform. The main advantages and limitations of different models are described, and recommendations for their adaptation to local conditions are provided. Conclusion. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of modeling with epidemiological surveillance, real-time statistics, and risk assessment became particularly important, enabling timely adaptation of intervention strategies to the rapidly evolving situation.

Introduction. The article analyzes the current state of nutrition and its association with the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), features of the global and national food environment, and key pathogenetic mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Governmental measures and recommendations aimed at improving nutrition and reducing the burden of NCDs are also reviewed [1, 512, 19, 20]. Objective. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the dietary patterns of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic, assess their impact on the prevalence of NCDs, identify key pathophysiological mechanisms linking nutrition and health, and develop recommendations for improving diets and the food environment. Materials and Methods. An analytical review of international literature published between 2015 and 2025 (WHO, FAO, Nature Reviews, The Lancet), as well as national studies including STEPS 2019, COSI 2021–2023, and FEEDCities 2021, was conducted. Comparative analysis of global, regional, and national nutrition trends was performed. Results. Nutrition is a key risk factor for the development of noncommunicable diseases, which occupy a leading position in the structure of mortality and disability in the Kyrgyz Republic. Excessive intake of salt, sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, and ultra-processed foods, along with insufficient consumption of vegetables, fruits, dietary fiber, and micronutrients, contributes to the increasing prevalence of obesity, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Data from national studies (STEPS 2019, COSI 2021–2023, FEEDCities 2021) confirm unfavorable trends in dietary behavior among the population of Kyrgyzstan [2–4]. Conclusion. Given the leading role of nutrition as a modifiable risk factor for NCDs, the development of a healthy food environment and healthy dietary behaviors should become one of the key priorities of national public health policy. Implementation of intersectoral measures based on WHO recommendations and national strategies will contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs and improving the quality of life of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic [1, 6, 9–11, 19, 20].