BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 26. The first healthcare
initiative financed through the Ishonch Fund under the Restitution
Agreement between Uzbekistan and Switzerland has been completed,
marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen maternal and
newborn healthcare services across the country.


This was reflected in the statement published by the Ministry of
Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.


The project, titled “Every Mother and Child Survives and
Thrives: Reducing Maternal and Newborn Mortality in Perinatal
Centres in Uzbekistan,” was launched in September 2023 and
implemented jointly by UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Health
Organization (WHO). A closing ceremony held on June 25 brought
together representatives of Uzbekistan’s Ministries of Health and
Economy and Finance, the Swiss Embassy, United Nations agencies,
and international partners to review the programme’s
achievements.


Backed by a total investment of $43.5 million, the initiative
focused on improving maternal and child healthcare services,
modernizing perinatal facilities, and strengthening the capacity of
healthcare professionals nationwide.


As part of the programme, 231 perinatal healthcare institutions
across Uzbekistan were equipped with modern medical technologies.
Approximately $31 million was allocated for the procurement of
advanced incubators, respiratory support systems, anesthesia
equipment, and other life-saving devices that were delivered to
facilities throughout the country.


The programme also provided specialized training to more than
80,000 healthcare workers in areas including modern perinatal care,
management of high-risk pregnancies, care for premature newborns,
and laboratory diagnostics. In addition, 49 clinical protocols
related to maternal and newborn healthcare were developed or
revised.


Public awareness campaigns promoting regular antenatal care
reached nearly 20 million people, while improved maternal and
perinatal health services benefited almost 4 million citizens,
according to programme data.


Monitoring results indicate significant progress. The share of
preventable maternal deaths declined from 77.3% in 2022 to 62.8%,
while survival rates among newborns, particularly those with
extremely low birth weight, increased by approximately 13% since
the programme began.


Speaking at the event, Regina Castillo, UNICEF Representative in
Uzbekistan, stated that the programme demonstrated the impact of
strong international cooperation.







"This programme demonstrates the tangible results of the strong
partnership between the Government of Uzbekistan, the Government of
Switzerland, civil society, and United Nations agencies. The
introduction of modern medical equipment and advanced clinical
practices in hundreds of perinatal facilities has significantly
expanded access to high-quality maternal and newborn healthcare
services across the country," Castillo said.


Konstantin Obolensky, Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan,
emphasized the importance of ensuring that returned assets are used
transparently and effectively.


"The restitution of illicitly acquired assets and their
transparent and accountable use remain among Switzerland’s key
priorities. The Ishonch Fund serves as a practical example of how
returned assets can directly improve people’s quality of life,"
Obolensky said.


Otabek Fazilkarimov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of
Uzbekistan, noted that the effective use of restituted assets
contributes to long-term social and economic development.


"The restitution of illicitly acquired assets and their
effective use play an important role in developing human capital
and supporting social sector reforms," he said.


The sides highlighted that programmes financed through the
Ishonch Fund are directing returned assets toward priority sectors
such as healthcare and education, helping improve public services
and living standards while demonstrating the benefits of
cooperation among government institutions, international
organizations, and civil society.


Established under the Restitution Agreement between Uzbekistan
and Switzerland, the Ishonch Fund was created to ensure that
returned assets are managed transparently and used for the benefit
of Uzbekistan’s citizens. The fund supports development programmes
implemented by United Nations agencies and is overseen by
representatives from Uzbekistan, Switzerland, the United Nations,
and civil society.


Looking ahead, the parties said the fund will continue
supporting new initiatives in healthcare and education aimed at
improving public services and advancing Uzbekistan’s sustainable
development goals.