Uzbekistan poised to start trials on Chinese COVID-19 vaccine 5,000 people are taking part in the trials. Dec 10, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Only 15 percent of infected healthcare workers compensated Medics say they are actively discouraged from seeking the compensation. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 8, 2020
Kazakhstan to start Sputnik V vaccinations early next year Trials for a domestically developed QazCovid-in vaccine are not expected to be completed until March. Almaz Kumenov Dec 4, 2020
Kazakhstan to borrow $1.8Bln for COVID fight The government is eager to stress that the loan is all but interest free. Almaz Kumenov Nov 24, 2020
Kazakhstan: Nearly half of ventilators bought for COVID-19 defective Numbers of coronavirus cases has seen a sharp surge recently. Almaz Kumenov Nov 19, 2020
Uzbekistan to begin Chinese vaccine trial 5,000 volunteers have been mobilized for the phase-three trial. Nov 9, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: In an uprising low on heroes, defense volunteers shine The appearance of the self-defense units is the second time this year that civil society has been forced to hold the line. Where the state repeatedly fails to live up to its obligations, volunteers step in. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Oct 14, 2020
Uzbekistan to take part in COVID-19 vaccine trials Officials say Uzbekistan plans to produce its own vaccine when tests are done. Sep 30, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities mulling return to lockdowns Batken has already reimposed restrictions. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Sep 29, 2020
Kazakhstan: Ever more borrowers unable to repay loans Overdue loans have increased by 10 percent since January. Almaz Kumenov Sep 25, 2020
Central Asia: Belt and Road takes back seat in Chinese envoy’s tour Beijing is eager to show solidarity as the coronavirus pandemic rumbles on. Chris Rickleton Sep 16, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: COVID-19 body blow leaves Issyk-Kul tourism operators reeling The tourist season was a disaster, with visitors down almost 90 percent. The taxman has not been sympathetic. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Photos by Danil Usmanov Sep 11, 2020
Kazakhstan: Classes continue in remote format Parents are pleading for relief from their kids learning from home, however. Almaz Kumenov Sep 10, 2020
Uzbekistan: COVID-19 adds more pain to university exam nightmare Only one in 10 university applicants is sure of a place. Sep 2, 2020
Kazakhstan’s war on coronavirus fake news underwhelms Confusion and contradiction are at the heart of the government’s counter-disinformation strategy. Almaz Kumenov Aug 28, 2020