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Health

Maternal Mortality Continues to Decline in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has ranked among the top 10 countries globally in terms of reducing maternal mortality rates, according to the World Health Organization. Over the past decade, Kazakhstan's maternal mortality rate has dropped significantly, reaching 10.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024. This progress comes despite a temporary spike in maternal deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three regions -- Pavlodar (northeast), Mangistau (west), and North Kazakhstan -- reported zero maternal deaths in 2024. Additionally, 99.9% of births across the country were attended by qualified medical personnel, reflecting widespread access to professional maternal healthcare. Steady Progress with Regional Disparities The Ministry of Health reported the following annual maternal mortality figures: 2020: 200 cases 2021: 70 cases 2022: 45 cases 2024: 37 cases Despite the national downward trend, 10 regions have seen a slight rise in maternal deaths over the past six years. In 2024, 54% of maternal deaths occurred in urban areas, with 46% in rural settings. A troubling development is the rise in mortality among women with four or more children, which left 97 children orphaned last year. Nonetheless, the current maternal mortality rate is the lowest recorded in Kazakhstan's post-Soviet history. In 1992, the rate stood at 76.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. Regional Leadership in Maternal Health As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is actively sharing its expertise in maternal and child health with neighboring countries, contributing to broader regional health development efforts.

Health

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

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.

Health

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.

Health

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

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.