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Abstract: Aim: To implement and review a four-tier plan to develop a burn centre in an emerging nation (Kyrgyzstan). Method: From 2001, the developing burn centre in Bishkek was supported with numerous material donations and, once a year, teams from Germany operatively treated numerous burn victims on site. Training and further education for our Kyrgyzstani colleagues were based on ‘helping them to help themselves’, with additional consultations on conceptual hygienic and structural improvements. Results: Material donations were delivered personally by the project teams. Education and training were also limited due to physician emigration. However, in the seven trips made by the team from Germany, numerous operations were performed and there was fundamental progress in the areas of bandaging protocols, hygienic concepts and structural improvements. Conclusion: An exact plan patiently tailored to the local situation and culture must be followed, to provide cost-effective support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]