The European Union has allocated €200,000 (nearly KGS 19.8mn) to support efforts in mitigating the growing measles outbreak in Kyrgyzstan. This funding will benefit around 70,000 people in the hardest-hit areas, including the capital city Bishkek and Osh, the country’s second-largest city.
The funds will be directed to the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan (RCSK) to address critical gaps in immunization coverage and raise community awareness. The operation aims to reduce the spread of measles by focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly children and groups with limited access to vaccines.
Kyrgyzstan has experienced a sharp rise in measles cases since the beginning of 2025. As of March 18, the Ministry of Health reported 4,055 confirmed cases, with Bishkek accounting for over 2,500. More than 80% of cases involve children under nine years old. This outbreak follows significant surges in recent years, with 24,380 cases reported in 2024 and 7,046 in 2023, largely fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
The EU funding is part of its broader support through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This fund helps national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies respond quickly to emergencies.
The European Union, a leading global humanitarian donor, provides aid to save lives and alleviate suffering during crises worldwide. Its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department works through a network of field offices to assist vulnerable populations based on humanitarian needs. In 2025, the EU has committed up to €12mn to replenish the IFRC-DREF for emergency operations like the one in Kyrgyzstan.
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