Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates Continue to Decline in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's Health Minister Akmaral Alnazaraeva has announced further reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates, although some regions are showing a troubling reversal of the trend. Speaking at a recent government meeting, Alnazaraeva attributed the improvements to the adoption of recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. In 2024, maternal mortality declined by 12 percent to 10.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, while infant mortality dropped by 11 percent to 6.88 deaths per 1,000 live births. The positive trend continued into the first half of 2025, with maternal mortality falling by another 10 percent and infant mortality by 26 percent. The minister noted that clinical protocols in obstetrics and pediatrics have been revised nationwide. Since June 2024, tariffs for obstetric and pediatric services, including childbirth, surgeries, and neonatal care, have been increased. These changes have improved access to expensive medications, reduced the debt burden of medical institutions, and helped attract qualified specialists to the sector. The Health Ministry also highlighted the expanded role of air ambulance services, which have saved 96 percent of women in labor and their newborns in remote areas. In 2025, for the first time, medications for pregnant women with conditions such as pyelonephritis, diabetes, and hypertension were added to the list of free drugs. To improve rural maternal care, "Salaawatty Ana" (Healthy Mother) boarding houses have opened in Turkestan, East Kazakhstan, and Akmola regions. These facilities offer pre-hospital care and postnatal rehabilitation for women with complicated births, with their effectiveness monitored in real time by regional situation centers. Kazakhstan is also making strides in healthcare digitalization. The electronic child health passport, now mandatory for kindergarten and school enrollment, has been introduced nationwide. A monitoring system for early detection of pediatric health problems has been deployed, and a digital health profile is being developed for every child under 18. Despite overall national progress, the minister acknowledged rising maternal mortality in Akmola, Zhambyl, Aktobe, Kostanay, Zhetysu, and Abai regions. Infant mortality has also increased in Kostanay, West Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Abai, and Zhetysu. The situation is most severe in Akmola, where maternal mortality is seven times the national average. Key factors include severe extragenital conditions, obstetric complications, congenital malformations, and neonatal respiratory disorders. In response, stricter regulatory oversight will be introduced starting in September 2025. The Medical and Pharmaceutical Control Committee will be granted new powers to suspend the licenses of medical facilities and dismiss uncertified personnel. Qualification standards will be raised, and patient support services will be expanded. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan continues to experience a steady decline in birth rates despite government efforts to encourage demographic growth.
