Ibraeva noted that the rise in diagnoses has been observed since 2021.
“As of January 1, 2025, we have registered over 50,000 people with psychiatric illnesses. Every year, between 3,000 and 4,500 citizens encounter such diagnoses for the first time. The issue of mental health is relevant not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire world. Mental disorders, along with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and respiratory diseases, are classified as non-communicable diseases,” she stated.
According to former Health Minister Erkin Checheybaev, about 11 percent of the population of Kyrgyzstan suffers from various mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and suicide risks, as well as dependencies on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
In response to this situation, the country is developing its first national mental health strategy in many years. Within the primary healthcare sector, multidisciplinary teams are being formed, consisting of family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and community nurses.
