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Unvaccinated Children Barred from First Grade in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education has announced that children who are not vaccinated will not be admitted to first grade, amid a worsening measles outbreak in the country. Deputy Education Minister Lira Samykbayeva stated during a live national radio broadcast that the process of registering children for school has been significantly simplified. Parents no longer need to submit numerous documents such as passports, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of family composition. “This year, the Ministry of Education integrated its database with other government agencies, so there is no longer a need to collect certificates manually,” Samykbayeva explained. However, she emphasized that two medical certificates will remain mandatory: one confirming a general health examination, and another verifying that the child has received preventive vaccinations, including the measles vaccine. “The only thing that must be provided to the school is two medical certificates,” she said. “Including vaccination against measles.” A government decree enforcing the new requirement was adopted just a day earlier. In the future, the Ministries of Education and Health plan to fully integrate their systems, allowing medical records to be accessed automatically by schools. The stricter policy comes as Kyrgyzstan battles a growing measles outbreak. Since the beginning of the year, over 4,000 children have contracted the disease, and eight people have died. According to health officials, 95 percent of those infected were unvaccinated. Speaking to The Times of Central Asia, Gulbara Ishenapysova, Director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, said the Ministry of Health is stepping up vaccination efforts. “By decision of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, the ministry has revised the national vaccination calendar,” she noted. In an effort to improve public trust, Kyrgyz health authorities have also engaged religious leaders. Clergy across the country are being encouraged to speak with parents about the importance of vaccinating their children.

Health Public health Alcohol-free Kazakh villages

Kazakh Villages Voluntarily Embrace Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

An increasing number of villages across Kazakhstan are voluntarily banning the sale of alcohol, reflecting a grassroots movement aimed at improving public health, safety, and the wellbeing of future generations. Prosecutor General Berik Asylov highlighted the trend on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, describing it as a conscious decision made by ordinary citizens, not a top-down directive. “When citizens take responsibility, reality itself changes,” he wrote, emphasizing that the initiative stems from the community level. Bottom-Up Initiative, Top-Level Support One notable example comes from a village in the Mangistau region, where residents released a video declaring their collective decision to stop selling alcohol. Similar efforts have emerged in Akmola, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Atyrau, and other regions. While still relatively isolated, these cases are increasing, Asylov noted, with the number of “dry” villages steadily growing. The movement is often driven by local community councils and elders, supported by the prosecutor’s office, police, and akimats (local government offices), which help implement preventive measures and maintain order. Entrepreneurs have also played a key role. Responding to requests from fellow villagers, many voluntarily removed alcohol from their shelves. Contrary to concerns, these businesses did not suffer losses, residents began purchasing more nutritious food and products for children instead. Visible Impact on Communities According to Asylov, the results are already apparent: crime rates are dropping, domestic violence is decreasing, and more young people are choosing sports and healthier lifestyles over alcohol. “This is a real-life demonstration of the principle of ‘Law and Order’, not enforced by fear, but built on trust; not through punishment, but through personal choice,” he said. Official Data Reflects the Trend Law enforcement statistics support this development. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of crimes committed under the influence of alcohol declined nationwide, a direct outcome of such community-led initiatives. In Aktobe region, 33 villages across nine of the region’s twelve districts have officially stopped selling alcohol, according to local media. In Turkestan region, 61 more villages have taken similar steps, according to Murat Kabdenov, head of the regional police department. Meanwhile, the village of Sunkar in Almaty region stands out for its complete elimination of alcohol from daily life, not just retail outlets. A Vision for the Future Prosecutor General Asylov reaffirmed that the General Prosecutor’s Office supports any community-driven initiative that promotes social harmony, respect for the law, and a shared vision for a better future. “People value trust, stability, and peace. They inspire each other through personal example,” he concluded.

Uzbekistan and Hungary Use Nobel-Winning Discovery to Develop Health Supplements

Scientists from Uzbekistan and Hungary are collaborating to develop new health supplements derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant known for its medicinal properties. The research is being conducted by the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent and Hungary’s Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The project is based on the groundbreaking work of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a compound extracted from sweet wormwood that effectively treats malaria. The joint initiative aims to produce antiseptic and anti-inflammatory supplements in various forms, including capsules, ointments, hydrogels, mouthwashes, and ear drops. These products are classified as food supplements rather than medicines. Currently, researchers are testing the active compounds on animals to evaluate their effectiveness. While still in the early stages of development, with prototypes being tested, mass production is planned to take place in Uzbekistan using Hungarian pharmaceutical expertise. It remains uncertain whether all prototypes will reach large-scale production, but both sides express optimism about the project’s potential. This collaboration is part of a broader partnership between the two countries. In 2023, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov announced plans to establish a special industrial zone in Uzbekistan for Hungarian companies. Sweet wormwood has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese medicine, where it has been employed to treat fever and infections. In recent years, artemisinin has been investigated not only for malaria treatment but also for its potential applications in cancer therapy and respiratory health, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kazakhstan Cancer Drug Could Hit the Market This Year

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, has announced the development of a domestic anti-cancer drug currently undergoing clinical trials. According to Nurbek, Phase II clinical trials were completed in 2023, and the number of patients participating in the testing has since been significantly expanded. "At the moment, the drug is being tested on different types of cancer. Last year, trials were conducted exclusively on patients with colorectal cancer. By the end of 2024, we expect the drug to be officially registered and introduced to the market. Preliminary results indicate stable positive dynamics," the minister stated. He noted that patients in clinical trials have experienced remissions, with tumor sizes decreasing by an average of 30%. "By the end of the year, we plan to hold a conference to present the results. The Ministry of Health has been highly supportive, and we have optimized the registration process without violating regulations," Nurbek added. The official registration of the drug is expected to be finalized as soon as possible. Kazakhstan's development of its first domestically produced anti-cancer drug was first reported in January 2024. Later, Nurbek provided updates on the trial progress and expressed confidence in the drug’s effectiveness.

Health Foreign Patients Organs Transplantation

Kyrgyzstan Weighs Organ Transplants for Foreign Patients

Kyrgyzstan is considering allowing kidney transplants for foreign citizens as part of its efforts to expand medical tourism, Health Minister Erkin Checheybayev announced. Rising Transplant Numbers According to the Ministry of Health, kidney transplants in Kyrgyzstan are on the rise. In 2024, the number of such procedures increased by 36.4% compared to the previous year. “Kidney transplantation is a life-saving operation for patients on dialysis. Developing this field is crucial, as organ transplants ease the burden on the healthcare system and significantly improve patients’ quality of life. We are working on a regulatory framework to ensure sustainable financing and fair compensation for medical professionals,” Checheybayev stated. The ministry is exploring the possibility of offering organ transplants to foreign patients, which could provide additional funding for medical institutions specializing in high-tech surgeries. Challenges Remain Despite these ambitions, Checheybayev previously told parliament that Kyrgyz hospitals are not yet fully equipped to handle organ transplants on a large scale. "Facilities at two medical institutions are being prepared, but the necessary infrastructure is not yet in place. Preoperative and postoperative care must be improved, and cadaveric organ donation must be legalized before we can move forward,” the minister explained.

Tajikistan Steps Up Efforts to Combat Obesity and Malnutrition

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations , in collaboration with Tajikistan’s Ministries of Health and Agriculture, has launched an initiative to develop national nutrition guidelines aimed at promoting sustainable food systems. The project was presented at a national workshop focused on improving public health through better nutrition. Rising Obesity Rates in Tajikistan Tajikistan has experienced a steady increase in obesity over the past 11 years. In 2012, 46.3% of the population was classified as overweight; by 2023, this figure had risen to 51%. During the same period, obesity rates increased from 13.4% to 17.4%. Despite these concerns, food insecurity and malnutrition remain significant challenges in the country. FAO’s acting representative in Tajikistan Aghasi Harutyunyan says that addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach: “This [initiative] is an important milestone for Tajikistan in developing a healthy eating framework based on sustainable food systems. All stakeholders in the food system have a responsibility to ensure that consumers have access to nutritious food. Through collaboration, we can develop policies that improve nutrition and strengthen the country’s agri-food system.” Food Security and Nutritional Deficiencies Although there have been some positive trends, food security remains a major concern for many Tajik citizens. According to Nushervoni Bilol, deputy director of the National Nutrition Centre, ongoing issues include lack of trained specialists, weak laboratory infrastructure, insufficient equipment, limited international support, and low government funding for nutrition initiatives. Health Ministry Data on Nutrition Trends A 2023 report from Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health highlighted both improvements and continuing challenges in the country’s nutrition landscape: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months increased from 34% (2012) to 41% (2023). The proportion of stunted children decreased from 23% to 14%. Anemia rates among women of childbearing age and children under five dropped to 35-36% (down from 41.2%). However, acute malnutrition remained at 5.6%, and the number of overweight individuals continues to rise. As Tajikistan works to improve public health and food security, experts emphasize the need for greater investment in nutrition programs, better-equipped laboratories, and stronger collaboration with international partners.