4/30/2026
With the support of generous donors, Qatar Charity (QC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, has carried out specialized surgical procedures to repair congenital heart defects for nearly 150 children under the age of 18. These procedures are part of the organization’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in the health sector, aimed at protecting children’s health and saving lives.
Training Medical Professionals
The surgeries were performed at national specialized medical centers in the capital, Bishkek, using open‑heart surgery techniques. These interventions have significantly improved recovery rates and reduced the risk of serious health complications that threaten the lives of children suffering from these defects if early surgical intervention is not provided.
Qatar Charity’s support extended beyond covering the cost of surgeries to include medical equipment support and the training of healthcare professionals, strengthening the capacity of national medical facilities to perform such complex procedures locally.
Growing Health Challenges
These efforts come amid persistent health challenges related to child health in Kyrgyzstan. Official indicators show that the under‑five mortality rate reached 15.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, while the infant mortality rate (under one year) stood at 14.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023.
Each year, between 2,000 and 3,000 children are born with congenital heart defects in the country. This reality necessitates rapid and specialized medical intervention, given the severity of these cases and their direct impact on infant and child mortality rates.
Critical Need for Support
Congenital heart defects are among the most critical health conditions for children. Medical reports indicate that 40% to 50% of affected children may lose their lives before their first birthday if they do not undergo timely surgery. This occurs within a broader health context where cardiovascular diseases are classified as the leading cause of death in Kyrgyzstan, accounting for 52.3% of total deaths, according to official statistics.
Every year, hundreds of children require complex surgeries, forcing some families to seek treatment abroad in countries such as Russia, Turkey, or elsewhere. However, many low-income families cannot afford the exorbitant costs of these operations or travel expenses, making the support of international humanitarian organizations a decisive factor in saving these children's lives.