BISHKEK (TCA) — The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Naryn Campus Health Fair brought together over 340 people from the Naryn community to increase awareness about healthy lifestyles on March 31 in Kyrgyzstan.
“Since 75% of Kyrgyzstan’s population lives in rural areas, we should focus on creating a favorable living environment in villages and towns. I express my deep gratitude to the University of Central Asia. As the saying goes, ‘Time is Gold’, so I suggest that we all dedicate our ‘gold time’ to this wonderful health care event,” said Jarkyn Ibraeva, Deputy Governor of Naryn addressing the participants. Saltanat Esenamanova, Vice Mayor of Naryn also attended the event.
The Health Fair offered free blood pressure tests, sessions on how to maintain a healthy diet, and the importance of good nutrition. Master-classes on first aid and making artwork from eco-friendly materials were also popular, as was the outdoor healthy foods fair. Guests participated in Kyrgyz traditional sports games including tug-of-war, toguz korgol and top tash, and competed in a chess tournament.
“The health fair had a great atmosphere and there were representatives from several different nationalities,” said Erkinbek uulu Islambek, a Naryn resident. “It would be great if such fairs are held more frequently.”
In addition to national and international dances performed by UCA students, two Pamir-Kyrgyz residents of Naryn Town sang a Kyrgyz song Mother. Over 100 drawings depicting a “Healthy Lifestyle” were also on display for a contest organised by Naryn State University and the Naryn Oblast Children’s Education Center students.
The fair was organised by the University of Central Asia in collaboration with UCA’s undergraduate students, the School of Continuing and Professional Education, and the Naryn Diagnostic Center with support from Aga Khan Health Services, Naryn Town Sports Committees, and other international and local community organisations.
UCA was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.
