AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Health Sector: Kaspersky warns of new Windows backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, hitting government and public institutions across Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Syria since January 2025, including healthcare and research bodies—keylogging, password theft, email collection and remote command access reported. Military Training & First Aid: Russian 201st base grenade launcher crews carried out drills in Tajikistan’s Lyaur mountains, including “tactical medical skills” like tourniquets and evacuating simulated casualties. Trade & Health-Related Industry: Tajikistan and Türkiye discussed expanding investment and cooperation, with special attention to pharmaceuticals and modern technologies; 2024 trade turnover was reported at $445.8m. Public Health & Safety Context: A week of regional reporting also highlighted how bride kidnapping remains undercounted and unevenly defined across Central Asia, with Tajikistan noted as lacking a clear separate offense definition. Wellness & Lifestyle: Kyrgyzstan’s Legatum Prosperity Index ranking placed it 87th overall, with strengths cited in healthcare and living conditions.

Cybersecurity & Health Sector: Kaspersky reports two new Windows backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, targeting government and public institutions across Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Syria since January 2025, including healthcare and research bodies; the tools can steal passwords, keylog, and give remote command access. Public Health & Safety Skills: Russian 201st base grenade launcher crews in Tajikistan carried out mountain drills, including tactical medical training like tourniquets and evacuating simulated casualties. Nutrition Market Watch: Java Burn announced a U.S. commercial launch of a coffee-compatible liquid nutritional serum, claiming support for metabolic function and blood glucose regulation. Health-Adjacent Social Policy: Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development met Türkiye’s business council to expand cooperation, with pharmaceuticals and health-related modern technologies listed among priorities. Food Safety & Livelihoods: Balkh State Slaughterhouse in Afghanistan says it has started daily mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan after health inspections, with veterinarians stressing bans on sick or underweight animals. Wellness Tourism: A new five-star Baku Resort & Spa opened near Issyk-Kul, featuring a wellness center and sports facilities, with regional leaders attending.

Gender-Based Violence & Consent: A new regional look at bride kidnapping shows how punishments exist on paper, but definitions and reporting gaps make the practice hard to measure—Tajikistan is noted as lacking a clear separate offense, complicating tracking and prevention. Military Health Skills: Russian 201st base grenade launcher crews trained at Tajikistan’s Lyaur range, including tactical medical skills like tourniquets and evacuating simulated casualties. Cybersecurity for Health Institutions: Kaspersky warns of OctLurk and SilkLurk backdoors targeting government and public bodies across Central Asia, including healthcare and research organizations, with keylogging, password theft, and remote control capabilities. Nutrition Market Watch: Java Burn announced a U.S. launch of a coffee-compatible liquid nutritional serum, positioning it for metabolic and blood glucose support. Trade & Health-Related Industry: Tajikistan and Türkiye discussed expanding cooperation in sectors including pharmaceuticals, alongside textile and agricultural processing. One Health Training Call: CAREC opened applications for a media training on the One Health approach in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 conference).

Cybersecurity & Health Sector Risk: Kaspersky reports new Windows backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, targeting government and public institutions across Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Syria since Jan 2025, including healthcare and research bodies. The tools can steal browser passwords, collect emails, keylog, and give remote command access, with infections set up via scheduled tasks, malicious services, and credential use. Health, Food & Jobs: In Afghanistan’s Balkh province, officials say mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan resumed nearly two months ago after health inspections, with about 1,000 sheep processed daily and veterinarians stressing bans on sick or underweight animals. Well-being & Living Conditions: Kazakhstan tops the 2026 Legatum Prosperity Index in Central Asia (66th), while Tajikistan ranks 129th; the index highlights education and living conditions alongside healthcare and safety. Trade for Health-Related Industries: Tajikistan and Türkiye discussed expanding investment cooperation, with special attention to pharmaceuticals and agricultural processing. One Health Training Call: CAREC opened applications for a “One Health” media training and conference in Bishkek (Sept 10–15), linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Tajikistan–Türkiye Investment Talks: Tajikistan’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade met the head of the Tajikistan–Türkiye Business Council to push deeper trade and investment ties, highlighting cooperation in textiles, agricultural processing, building materials, pharmaceuticals, and modern technologies; 2024 turnover was reported at $445.8m. Cybersecurity for Health and Government: A new wave of cyber attacks across Central Asia—including Tajikistan—targets sectors such as healthcare and research, using backdoors dubbed OctLurk and SilkLurk that can keylog, steal browser passwords, and take remote control. One Health Media Training: A regional program is opening applications for journalists to learn the One Health approach—how animal health, climate, and human disease connect—ahead of a conference in Bishkek on Sept 14–15, 2026. Regional Health Context: Kyrgyzstan’s Legatum Prosperity Index ranking (87th) points to relatively strong healthcare and education indicators in the region, while Tajikistan lags at 129th. Food Safety & Livestock Trade: In Afghanistan’s Balkh province, mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan resumed after health inspections, with veterinarians stressing bans on sick or underweight animals.

Diplomatic Health Note: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon sent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a congratulatory message on his reappointment, wishing him good health and reaffirming Tajikistan’s interest in deeper Tajikistan–Armenia cooperation. Regional Well-Being Watch: A new Legatum Prosperity Index ranking puts Kyrgyzstan 87th out of 161, highlighting strengths in healthcare and living conditions, while Tajikistan sits lower at 129th. Food & Veterinary Safety: Afghanistan’s Balkh State Slaughterhouse says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with health inspections and rules against slaughtering sick or underweight animals. Cybersecurity for Health Systems: Kaspersky reports new backdoors (OctLurk and SilkLurk) hitting government networks across Central Asia, including healthcare-linked organizations—raising risks for clinics and public services. One Health Training Call: CAREC is inviting journalists to a One Health media training in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 conference) focused on how animal, human, and environmental health connect.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: Suspected Chinese-speaking hackers have been targeting Central Asian government networks since January 2025, including healthcare and research bodies, using new backdoors (OctLurk, SilkLurk) that can keylog, steal browser passwords, and remotely control infected computers. Regional Well-Being: Kyrgyzstan placed 87th out of 161 in the Legatum Prosperity Index, with strong scores in security, healthcare, education, and living conditions; Tajikistan ranked 129th, behind Kazakhstan (66th) and Uzbekistan (94th). Food Safety & Livelihoods: Afghanistan’s Balkh State Slaughterhouse says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with health inspections completed and veterinarians stressing rules like rejecting sick or underweight animals. Health-Linked Tourism: Kyrgyzstan opened major wellness-focused hospitality projects at Issyk-Kul, including a five-star “Baku Resort & Spa” with a wellness center—part of a wider push to grow year-round tourism and jobs. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC is inviting Central Asian journalists to a “One Health” media training in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 conference), linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Aviation & Access to Care: Somon Air in Tajikistan received its first Boeing 737 MAX (737-8), a move aimed at launching intercontinental routes from Dushanbe for the first time—potentially improving travel options for patients, families, and medical professionals. Health & Food Safety Trade: Afghanistan’s Balkh State Slaughterhouse says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with daily processing of about 1,000 sheep and health inspections in place—an important signal for nutrition supply chains and food safety oversight. Cybersecurity for Health Systems: Kaspersky reports new custom backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, targeting government networks across Central Asia including Tajikistan, with sectors that include healthcare and research—raising concerns about data safety and operational disruption. Well-Being Rankings: Kyrgyzstan placed 87th in the Legatum Prosperity Index, which weighs safety, healthcare, education, and living conditions; Tajikistan ranked 129th—useful context for regional health and social policy debates. One Health Training Call: A media training on the “One Health” approach is open for Central Asian journalists ahead of a Bishkek conference in September, linking animal health, climate, and disease spread.

Cybersecurity & Health Systems: Kaspersky reports new Chinese-speaking backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, hitting government networks across Central Asia since January 2025, including healthcare and research bodies—capable of keylogging, password theft, email collection, and remote control. Medical Education & Safety Abroad: A 2026 explainer warns Indian students to “think before going abroad” for an MBBS seat, stressing that a degree alone isn’t enough without proper training and licensing readiness. Food Safety & Livestock Health: Afghanistan’s Balkh State Slaughterhouse says it has started daily mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan after health inspections, while veterinarians stress rules against slaughtering sick or underweight animals. One Health & Water for Health: CAREC is taking applications for a One Health media training in Bishkek (Sept 10) tied to a regional conference (Sept 14–15), linking disease spread to animal health and climate; separate coverage highlights how SDG 6 water and sanitation progress is too slow without faster implementation. Wellness & Public Life: Kyrgyzstan’s well-being ranking places it relatively high on healthcare and living conditions, while Tajikistan trails in the same index.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: New backdoors dubbed OctLurk and SilkLurk are suspected in a Central Asia-wide hacking wave since January 2025, with targets including healthcare and research organizations in countries such as Tajikistan—raising concerns about data safety and service disruption. Food Safety & Livestock Health: Afghanistan’s Balkh State Slaughterhouse says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with health inspections completed and veterinarians stressing rules against sick or underweight animals. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC is calling for Central Asian journalists to join a “One Health” media training in Bishkek (Sept 10 online; Sept 14–15 conference), focused on how animal health, climate, and disease spread connect to human wellbeing. Antibiotic Resistance on Farms: A regional explainer highlights how antibiotic use in livestock can drive antimicrobial resistance—turning drug resistance into a shared public health and agriculture issue. Wellness Tourism & Sports: Tajikistan leaders attended openings of new Issyk-Kul golf and resort facilities in Kyrgyzstan, with “wellness” and sports infrastructure framed as health-focused development.

One Health & health reporting training: CAREC opened applications for Central Asian journalists to learn the “One Health” approach, linking human, animal, and environmental risks, ahead of a Bishkek conference on Sept 14–15, 2026. Antibiotic resistance on farms: A regional look at how heavy antibiotic use in livestock drives antimicrobial resistance, raising risks beyond barns and into communities. Cross-border trade with health links: Afghanistan approved steps to expand Sher Khan Port capacity to boost trade with Tajikistan and neighbors, including longer operating hours and a logistics center—moves that can affect supply chains for medicines and food. Food safety & livestock exports: Balkh’s state slaughterhouse says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started, with health inspections and rules against slaughtering sick or underweight animals. Cyber risk to healthcare: Kaspersky reports new backdoors (OctLurk/SilkLurk) targeting government networks across Central Asia, including healthcare organizations, with keylogging and password theft capabilities. Wellness tourism in the region: New five-star hotel openings around Issyk-Kul highlight “health and recreation” offerings, reflecting growing wellness-focused travel.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: Kaspersky reports a suspected Chinese-speaking threat actor behind new backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, hitting government bodies across Central Asia including Tajikistan—targets reportedly include healthcare and research organizations, with tools capable of keylogging, password theft, and remote control. Food Safety & Livestock Trade: Balkh’s state slaughterhouse in Afghanistan says mutton exports to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have started nearly two months ago, with daily processing of about 1,000 sheep after health inspections, while veterinarians stress rules like banning sick or underweight animals. Wellness Tourism: Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon attended the opening of the Baku Resort & Spa on Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, a project pitching health and recreation as core features alongside hotels, wellness facilities, and year-round tourism. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC is opening applications for Central Asian journalists to learn the “One Health” approach, linking human health, animal health, and climate-driven disease risks in a Bishkek conference in September. Antibiotic Resistance on Farms: A regional piece highlights how antibiotic use in livestock can fuel antimicrobial resistance, stressing the public-health impact beyond hospitals.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: Kaspersky reports a suspected Chinese-speaking hacking campaign using new backdoors (OctLurk, SilkLurk) and a proxy tool (LurkProxy), targeting Central Asian government networks including healthcare and research bodies; the malware can keylog, steal browser passwords, collect emails, and enable remote control. Healthcare Cooperation: Tajikistan and Oman discussed expanding healthcare ties, including exchanges between medical institutions, training for specialists, and drafting a bilateral cooperation document. Wellness Tourism in the Region: Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon joined regional leaders at the opening of Azerbaijan’s five-star Baku Resort & Spa on Issyk-Kul, highlighting “health and recreation” as core pillars; separate Issyk-Kul golf resort openings also market sports and wellness infrastructure. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC opened applications for journalists to learn the One Health approach and cover a Bishkek conference on Sept 14–15, 2026.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: Kaspersky reports new Chinese-speaking backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, hitting government networks across Central Asia, including healthcare and research bodies, with tools that can keylog, steal browser passwords, and remotely control infected computers. Regional Wellness Tourism: Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon joined leaders at the July 31 opening of the five-star Baku Resort & Spa on Issyk-Kul, a project built with a focus on health, recreation, and year-round tourism. Sports Infrastructure for Public Health: On July 30, presidents attended the opening of the Issyk-Kul Golf Resort complex and its golf club in Cholpon-Ata, with officials linking sports facilities to national health and cultural development. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC opened applications for Central Asian journalists to learn the “One Health” approach and cover the Sept. 14–15 Bishkek conference, connecting human, animal, and environmental health. Healthcare Cooperation: Tajikistan and Oman discussed expanding healthcare ties, including exchanges between medical institutions and training for specialists.

Cybersecurity & Health Services: New custom-built backdoors, OctLurk and SilkLurk, have been used in a long-running intrusion campaign (active since Jan 2025) that hit government networks across Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and more—reportedly including healthcare bodies—allowing keylogging, password theft and remote control. Healthcare Diplomacy: Tajikistan and Oman discussed expanding joint medical projects, including cooperation between healthcare institutions, training for specialists, and plans for a bilateral healthcare document. One Health Reporting Training: CAREC opened applications for Central Asian journalists to learn the “One Health” approach and cover a regional conference in Bishkek on Sept 14–15, with an online training on Sept 10. Public Health & Heat Preparedness: WHO Europe urged countries to treat extreme heat planning like pandemic readiness, warning about overheated wards, strained staff, and weak cooling and information systems. Health & Wellness Tourism: A new five-star Baku Resort & Spa Hotel opened on Issyk-Kul, pitching health and recreation as core pillars alongside tourism and jobs.

Regional Health Training: CAREC is opening applications for journalists across Central Asia to learn the “One Health” approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health, ahead of a One Health media training (Sept 10) and a regional conference in Bishkek (Sept 14–15). Heat-Ready Hospitals: WHO Europe warns that healthcare systems must prepare for extreme heat like they do for pandemics, citing risks such as overheated wards, overburdened staff, and failing cooling and information systems, and urging early warnings to be backed by decisive action for vulnerable people and outdoor workers. Tajikistan–Oman Medical Ties: Tajikistan and Oman discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, including partnerships between medical institutions, exchanging professional experience, training specialists, and drafting a bilateral healthcare cooperation document. Health & Wellness Tech: Tajik fintech Alif says it has launched Apple Pay in Tajikistan, positioning it as a safer, more private way to pay in places like pharmacies and grocery stores. Health-Linked Environment: A Tajikistan-linked research team helped build a mercury pollution dataset for China’s “Third Pole,” aiming to support risk assessment and mitigation of a toxic heavy metal affecting human health.