Burul Arzymatova, a dedicated teacher from Kyrgyzstan, has always been passionate about educating the young minds of her community. At 64 years old, she experienced her vision being limited by age and further challenged by diabetic retinopathy, a condition she had battled for the past 20 years.
Diabetic retinopathy is a relentless adversary, causing vision loss and blindness. For Burul, this meant a constant struggle with her deteriorating vision, which impacted not only her personal life, but also her ability to teach effectively.
However, hope appeared on the horizon when she was among the first people selected to receive free treatment from the Ministry of Health as part of a project by WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) in Kyrgyzstan. This initiative aims to improve noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, specifically focusing on diabetes care and preventing complications from the disease in Kyrgyzstan.
Over the last 18 months, there has been a concerted effort to improve diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment in Kyrgyzstan through the project. A new model was defined, equipment was procured, and training was initiated, culminating this week in a visit from international experts who provided training sessions, quality assessments, and practical workshops, focusing on laser treatment, grading and screening. Throughout this process, the Chui Diabetes Society played a key role in engaging people with diabetes.
Burul’s treatment, made possible by the acquisition by the Ministry of Health of the state’s first-ever laser equipment for diabetic retinopathy via the WHO-WDF project, was a turning point in her life. It gave her renewed hope for clearer vision and a brighter future. Moreover, WHO and WDF provided training for nurses and ophthalmologists to enable other people to benefit in the same way.
WHO-WDF project achievements and recognition
Since it started just over 2 years ago, the project has had a profound impact. More than 200 health-care workers and 119 nurses received specialized training, gaining the skills and knowledge to provide enhanced care. Essential equipment, including 2 types of fundus cameras, ophthalmoscopes, and glucose monitors, was procured to bolster diagnosis and treatment capabilities across the country.
But the project’s influence extended beyond medical interventions. High-level policy dialogues and meetings were organized regularly, fostering collaboration and commitment to improving public health. These gatherings brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, from government officials and health-care workers to WHO experts and patients like Burul. Together, they exchanged views, identified policy options, and charted the next steps for improving care for patients with diabetic retinopathy in Kyrgyzstan.
The project’s transformation of diabetes care towards a more person-centred approach was showcased at a WHO international conference. Its focus also extended to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, aligning with the Country Cooperation Strategy 2024–2030 and global diabetes targets. The impact of these efforts did not go unnoticed. WHO and WDF received letters of gratitude from the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Chui Region, recognizing the project’s significant contribution to protecting public health and enhancing the quality of medical services.
For Burul, this project was more than just medical treatment; it was a beacon of hope, resilience, and community support. With improved access to care and advanced treatments, she can continue to inspire and educate future generations, undeterred by the limitations imposed by her condition.
Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of blindness among working-age people in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Ministry of Health, about 75 000 people in the country suffer from diabetes, and there has been an uptick in the incidence – the number of Kyrgyz residents with diabetes has increased twofold in 10 years.
Despite the increasing incidence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Kyrgyzstan, Burul’s inspiring story highlights the importance of collective action in building a brighter and clearer future for all.