She noted that this trend began to manifest in 2021.
“As of January 1, 2025, over 50,000 people with psychiatric illnesses are registered in the republic. Every year, between 3,000 and 4,500 citizens receive such a diagnosis for the first time. Mental health issues are relevant not only for our country but for the entire world. Mental disorders, along with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and lung diseases, fall into the category of non-communicable diseases,” added Nurgul Ibraeva.
In September 2025, former Minister of Health Erkin Checheybaev shared information that about 11% of the population of Kyrgyzstan suffers from various forms of mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal tendencies, as well as addictions, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
In light of this situation, a national strategy focused on mental health is being developed in the country, which is happening for the first time in many years. Within the framework of primary healthcare, multidisciplinary teams consisting of family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and community nurses will be established.
