Kyrgyzstan Develops Bone Marrow Transplant Infrastructure for Children

Kyrgyzstan is establishing a comprehensive infrastructure for pediatric bone marrow transplants, aiming to make the life-saving procedure more accessible to children within the country. The initiative covers all stages, from collecting and storing stem cells to performing transplants and managing potential complications.

The Ministry of Health announced that the National Center for Maternity and Child Protection (NCMCP) has received advanced medical equipment, including an apheresis machine and an extracorporeal photopheresis system. This equipment, valued at over 24 million Kyrgyz soms, was donated by the charitable foundation 'As-Safa.' These new tools will significantly enhance the treatment capabilities for children suffering from severe oncological and hematological diseases.

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The development of pediatric oncology, hematology, and transplant care is one of the important directions of the healthcare system. Today we receive equipment that creates additional opportunities for our doctors and, most importantly, for our patients. Our task is to provide children with the opportunity to receive necessary high-tech treatment in Kyrgyzstan, close to their families.

Health Minister Damir Osmonov emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "The development of pediatric oncology, hematology, and transplant care is one of the important directions of the healthcare system." He added, "Our task is to provide children with the opportunity to receive necessary high-tech treatment in Kyrgyzstan, close to their families."

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A few years ago, bone marrow transplantation in the republic seemed like an almost unattainable task. Three years ago, specialists from the department underwent training in Malatya (Turkey), and in 2024, the first demonstrative autologous bone marrow transplant was performed in the KR.

Previously, bone marrow transplants were considered nearly unattainable in Kyrgyzstan. However, specialists underwent training in Turkey three years ago, and the country performed its first demonstrative autologous bone marrow transplant in 2024. Sultan Stambekov, head of pediatric oncology, noted that the center has now assembled "almost the entire puzzle" and is on the verge of conducting bone marrow transplants regularly. Annually, approximately 20-30 children and 90 adults require hematopoietic stem cell transplants, with overseas procedures costing up to $100,000.

Parallel to these advancements, a specialized block for bone marrow transplants at the NCMCP is nearing completion. This block, funded by 17 million soms from the state budget, will feature necessary conditions for post-transplant patient care, including advanced air filtration systems. The center also possesses specialized refrigeration equipment provided by sponsors.

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We couldn't even dream of transplantation before. Today, we have practically assembled the entire puzzle and are on the verge of performing bone marrow transplants on a regular basis.