Kyrgyzstan Imams Assist in Measles Outbreak Prevention
Training sessions on measles prevention and routine immunization were recently conducted in several districts of the Jalal-Abad region in Kyrgyzstan. The Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communication organized these sessions with the aim of raising awareness among imams and religious leaders about the importance of vaccination and their role in educating the population.
During the training sessions, participants received information about measles, its complications, and the necessity of timely immunization. Discussions also focused on the religious aspects of vaccination and effective communication strategies for conveying accurate information to worshippers.
The organizers emphasized the crucial role that imams play in local communities and how their support can significantly influence public trust in vaccination. By equipping religious leaders with knowledge and advocacy skills, these trainings aim to promote a healthy lifestyle within their communities.
Aizharkyn Egemberdieva, head of the Infectious Disease Prevention Department at the Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communication, shared that similar trainings have already been conducted for approximately 500 imams in the Batken region. Plans are in place to expand these training sessions to other regions, including Talas, Issyk-Kul, and Naryn.
The measles situation in Kyrgyzstan remains concerning, with 14,400 cases reported in 2024 and over 2,000 cases already recorded in 2025. The highest incidence rates are observed in Bishkek and the Chui region. Tragically, there were five deaths from measles in 2024, with two additional fatalities reported since the beginning of 2025.
The primary contributing factor to the increase in measles cases is the high number of refusals for routine immunization, particularly among children, often due to religious beliefs. Efforts to educate and engage religious leaders in promoting vaccination are crucial in combating the spread of measles and protecting public health in Kyrgyzstan.
