OSCE Supports Medical Training for Border Service Personnel in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, 31 January 2025 – The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek has implemented a specialized Train-the-Trainer (ToT) programme aimed at strengthening the medical response capabilities of the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic.

From 27 to 31 January 2025, nine selected lecturers, instructors, and medical professionals participated in the training at the Border Service Training Centre in Osh. The training developed by Lazarus Ltd, a UK-based company, was designed in line with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) “Basic Care Provider” requirements and tailored to local conditions.

The ToT programme focused on theoretical and practical training. Participants gained expertise in training methodologies, fostering an engaging learning environment, and instructional skills. The hands-on sessions included the use of training dummies, wound simulators, and scenario-based exercises to enhance their ability to train Border Service personnel effectively.

This programme follows an initial needs assessment conducted by Lazarus Training in September 2024 and the basic and intermediate-level medical training delivered in November–December 2024, in which 30 personnel completed the basic training and 15 completed the intermediate training. The final stage will involve the procurement of training equipment to further enhance the Border Service’s medical training capacity. The newly trained trainers will now continue conducting medical trainings within the Border Service, further reinforcing the sustainability of the programme.

Through this initiative, the OSCE continues to support regional security and capacity-building efforts, ensuring that Border Service personnel are equipped with the skills necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

The initiative is implemented within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Reducing risk of illicit small arms and light weapons, ammunition and explosives proliferation across border of Kyrgyz Republic,” funded by the US, Germany, Norway, UK, and supported by Austria and Poland.