$43.5 million in confiscated Gulnara Karimova assets finances nationwide maternal healthcare overhaul

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the funds were allocated to a comprehensive project titled "Every Mother and Child Survives and Thrives: Reducing Maternal and Newborn Mortality in Perinatal Centers in Uzbekistan." Launched in September 2023, the initiative was carried out in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to modernize high-risk maternity facilities.

The program delivered sweeping upgrades to the material and technical infrastructure of 231 perinatal centers across the country. More than $31 million was spent directly on acquiring advanced medical equipment, including infant incubators, mechanical ventilators, and specialized anesthesia systems.

Beyond hardware, the funding supported extensive human resource development. Over 80,000 healthcare professionals received advanced training in modern perinatal care, handling high-risk pregnancies, caring for premature infants, and clinical laboratory diagnostics. Additionally, medical experts developed or updated 49 standardized clinical protocols to align local practices with international standards.

Swiss Ambassador Konstantin Obolensky emphasized that the repatriation of illicitly acquired assets and their transparent application remain top priorities for Switzerland. He noted that the Ishonch fund stands as a clear example of how returned financial resources can directly improve the living conditions of the population.

The Ishonch fund operates under a landmark restitution agreement signed between the governments of Uzbekistan and Switzerland. It is managed jointly by representatives from both nations, alongside United Nations officials and civil society members. Following the completion of this initial healthcare program, the fund administrators plan to launch subsequent initiatives focusing on the education and healthcare sectors.