Perspectives | How ADB’s pandemic aid to Uzbekistan was misused, whistleblower silenced The Uzbek blogger who first raised these concerns was smeared, beaten, and now faces trial. Nina Lesikhina Dec 6, 2021
Georgia introduces COVID passports amid record high numbers Similar systems have been used around the world to encourage vaccinations. But under Georgia’s, you may be better off not being vaccinated at all. Tornike Mandaria Nov 30, 2021
COVID deepens digital divide in Georgian schools Poor and rural families are not equipped to handle online school. Now they fear another academic year is going to start with schools still closed. Giorgi Lomsadze Aug 19, 2021
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan experiment with vaccines amid lack of public confidence Central Asia’s largest nations are using unique coronavirus vaccines that haven’t been carefully studied. Do they have a choice? Aug 16, 2021
Coronavirus in Georgia ‘five times worse than India’ Georgia’s mortality rate is among the world’s highest, and just under 6 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. Giorgi Lomsadze Aug 13, 2021
Armenia changes vaccination policy as Iranian vaccine tourists flock Iranians have been flooding into Armenia to get COVID vaccines, causing Tehran to complain and Yerevan to tighten the rules. Karine Ghazaryan Jul 12, 2021
Georgia: The discreet inevitability of Chinese vaccines A few months ago, the thought of taking a Chinese COVID vaccine was unthinkable to Georgians. Now it’s the norm. Giorgi Lomsadze Jul 8, 2021
Can Georgia vaccinate its way out of recession? Recent growth indicators seem impressive only compared to the disaster that was 2020. Giorgi Lomsadze Jun 24, 2021
Uzbeks weigh vaccines: Russian vs. Chinese Vaccine hesitancy in Uzbekistan is high, bred by social media conspiracies that seem credible in a country without accountable authorities. Ezoza Yakvalkhodjieva Jun 2, 2021
Georgia: Brunch in a time of plague After some early success in fighting COVID, Georgia let down its guard. Then I did, too. Giorgi Lomsadze May 26, 2021
Georgian COVID immunization drive stumbles out of the gate The death of a nurse, hasty European policy decisions and the Georgian church’s indifference all have contributed to a rocky rollout for the vaccination campaign. Giorgi Lomsadze Mar 24, 2021
As a possible new COVID-19 wave looms, Central Asia is napping The region appears wholly unprepared for the latest rise in cases. Mar 17, 2021
Uzbekistan embarks on mass vaccination, but where will doses come from? Hopes are being pinned on the Sino-Uzbek vaccine ZF-UZ-VAC 2001. Mar 3, 2021
Awaiting the COVID vaccine, Georgians are split between skeptical and eager More than 40 percent of Georgians say they don’t want to get the jab, which could complicate public health efforts when the vaccines finally arrive. Giorgi Lomsadze Feb 3, 2021
Central Asia vaccination plans underwhelm, but governments look unruffled Uzbekistan, Tajikistan are taking triumphalist stances on coronavirus. Jan 14, 2021