Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Higher Ground Development Centre
Strokes are a major medical problem in parts of Kyrgyzstan and leave crippling conditions on those who experience them. Without carefully guided physical therapy, stroke victims’ long-term mobility is in jeopardy.
Mahabat Jhuzmambetova is helping in the stroke recovery process by offering physical therapy services in the Naryn region. She goes door to door assisting where she can as patients go through the long and painful road to recovery.
The high number of stroke occurrences in Kyrgyzstan can be attributed to poor dietary choices, a sedentary lifestyle and genetics. The culture is one that struggles to accept change, including positive changes like eating less fats and salts. Unfortunately, even when medications are available to residents, patients often are reluctant to accept them.
Jhuzmambetova began a partnership with the Luke Society in 2012. She travels a 25-mile radius in and around Naryn to offer her services. Her hope is to offer Christ-like compassion and build relationships with patients. If the Holy Spirit enables, those relationships can provide opportunities for Jhuzmambetova to witness about the saving grace of Jesus with her patients.
About the ministry:
Name: Higher Ground Development Centre
Location: Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Director: Mahabat Jhuzmambetova
Partnership: 2012-present
Staff: 4
PMT: Scott and Anne Kooiman
Our mission:
“Our mission through medical ministry to show the way out of the darkness of a hopeless life and into the Light, and to embrace the love of Christ through reconciliation with God.”
Why I love being a director:
“I like to closely communicate with patients and to see children and their parents as they rejoice in discovering new opportunities.”
About Kyrgyzstan:
Population: 6.0 million
Size: 199.9 sq. km, or slightly smaller than South Dakota.
Capital: Bishkek
Borders: Kazakhstan to the north; Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the west; China to the south and east.
Religious groups: Muslim, 90%; Christian, 7%.
Primary languages: Krygyz; Uzbek; Russian
Literacy (age 15+): 99.6%
Physician density: 2.2 doctors per 1,000 people.
Population below international poverty line: 20.1%
Life expectancy: 72.1 years
Infant mortality rate: 26.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Major exports: Gold, cotton, wool, tobacco, mercury, uranium, electricity, machinery, shoes.
Climate: Dry continental to polar in the Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in the southwest; temperate in the northern foothills.
Terrain: Peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range and associated valleys and basins.