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Public health

Central Asian Nations Rank Low in Global Mental Health Index

Mental health remains a significant challenge across Central Asia, with populations reporting high levels of distress and rising rates of self-harm. According to the Mental State of the World survey, Uzbekistan ranked 74th out of 82 countries on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Index, scoring 54.5 points. Kazakhstan followed at 76th (52.3), Kyrgyzstan at 79th (51.2), and Tajikistan at 80th (51.2). The global average stands at 63 points, suggesting that, on average, people around the world feel mentally stable and active for about 21 days each month. Experts point to a range of factors driving poor mental health in the region, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness, and unresolved personal issues. A joint survey by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and YouGov, which included more than 14,000 respondents across 14 countries, found that 32 percent had experienced unplanned pregnancies and 23 percent were unable to start families when they wished. Financial hardship was the most frequently cited barrier to wellbeing (39 percent), followed by job insecurity (21 percent), inadequate housing (19 percent), and fear of war or pandemics (19 percent). A study published in BMC Public Health reported age-standardized suicide rates per 100,000 people in 2019 as follows: Kazakhstan at 18.05; Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan both at 8.28; Turkmenistan at 6.07; and Tajikistan at 5.32. By comparison, the global suicide rate that year was approximately 9 per 100,000. Despite its relative economic strength, Kazakhstan ranked 17th globally for suicide rate in 2020, with 18 deaths per 100,000 people, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. UNICEF has also recorded a disturbing trend among the country’s youth: between January and August 2024, over 2,300 self-harm incidents were reported, including 128 involving children aged 5 to 18. Among adolescents aged 15 to 19, self-harm has become the leading cause of death. Uzbekistan, which received the highest score in the region, is expanding access to counseling services and training school psychologists. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are piloting community-based mental health centers. However, specialists warn that without broader social reforms, such as stable employment, affordable housing, and gender equality, both reproductive and mental health will continue to fall short of international standards. “True progress means giving people freedom to choose and live without fear,” the UNFPA report concludes. For Central Asia, this requires greater investment in rights, services, and long-term wellbeing.

Anthrax

Anthrax Outbreak Reported in Northern Kazakhstan

An outbreak of anthrax has been confirmed in the Akmola region of northern Kazakhstan. According to official data, at least seven people have been infected after coming into contact with contaminated livestock. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, identified the source as unvaccinated and unregistered animals grazing near an old cattle burial ground located approximately seven kilometers from the villages of Magdalinovka and Novomarinovka. Ten infected cattle have been identified and culled. “There are many questions for the owners of these animals. They were not registered anywhere,” Saparov said at a press briefing. Authorities have imposed a quarantine, carried out disinfection procedures, and restricted access to the affected pastures. Sanitary measures have also been intensified in nearby settlements. The Ministry of Health reported that 19 individuals underwent medical examinations, with seven cases confirmed in laboratory tests. One patient is in serious condition, while the remaining six are in stable condition. Four of these cases had been previously reported. Saparov also dismissed speculation that contaminated meat had entered Astana’s markets. "We checked everything, even the door handles. All samples tested negative. Suspicious meat was immediately seized," the minister stated. The outbreak in the Atbasar district has exposed long-standing deficiencies in Kazakhstan’s veterinary oversight and livestock registration systems. Although the country maintains an electronic livestock registration system, its usage is inconsistent, particularly in remote regions where many farmers fail to register or vaccinate their animals. In response, the government has pledged to tighten regulatory enforcement. Inspections will begin in the affected areas, with violators facing increased fines. Authorities also plan to target so-called “dealers,” middlemen trading in unregistered livestock. “This is not just about private property. It is a threat to public health,” Saparov added. The quarantine in the outbreak zone will last a minimum of 15 days. Authorities will assess whether to lift the restrictions following additional inspections. Anthrax is a dangerous bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through contact with infected meat or contaminated soil. Outbreaks occur periodically in Kazakhstan, particularly in areas where Soviet-era cattle burial sites remain unregistered and unmapped. Regional veterinary officials have warned that many of these burial grounds have not yet been properly identified, posing a continuing risk to grazing livestock. In recent days, Minister Saparov proposed introducing criminal liability for the sale of meat that bypasses veterinary and sanitary controls.

Meat Market

Kazakhstan Proposes Criminal Penalties for Illegal Meat Sales

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, has proposed introducing criminal liability for the sale of meat that bypasses veterinary and sanitary inspections. Speaking at a government meeting, Saparov emphasized that Kazakhstan is undertaking large-scale efforts to digitize its livestock industry. Each farm animal now receives an individual identification number, with all veterinary procedures recorded in an electronic system. However, the minister warned that the system’s effectiveness depends on livestock owners maintaining accurate and transparent records. “We must strengthen oversight of livestock registration and tighten accountability, up to criminal liability, for unscrupulous livestock suppliers and buyers of animal products without proper veterinary documentation,” Saparov stated. Illegal Slaughterhouses a Threat to Public Health Saparov cited recent cases of underground slaughterhouses as a significant public health concern. In December 2024, two unlicensed facilities were discovered in Astana, distributing unregulated meat across the country. Similar operations were uncovered in Semey and Shymkent in spring 2025. Currently, criminal penalties in Kazakhstan apply only to cattle theft. Violations of veterinary and sanitary rules, unless they result in serious harm to human health, are punished administratively. Since the beginning of 2025, 64 veterinary checkpoints have inspected 28,500 vehicles transporting meat. Violations were identified in 547 cases, resulting in administrative fines for the owners. Livestock Industry Growth and Export Expansion Saparov also reported robust growth in livestock production. From January to May 2025, output increased by 4.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Meat production (in carcass weight) rose by 3%. Cow’s milk production grew by 7.5%. Almaty and Akmola regions led in meat output, while North Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions led in milk production. The livestock population also expanded: Cattle: up 23.4 percent to 9.6 million head Small ruminants: up 7.8 percent to 26.3 million head Horses: up 12.2 percent to 5 million head Camels: up 8.5 percent to 321,300 head Poultry: up 2.2 percent to 47.7 million birds “Current production volumes fully meet domestic demand for beef and mutton and allow us to expand exports to up to 50,000 tons annually,” Saparov said. In 2024, Kazakhstan’s beef exports increased by 1.4 times to over 22,000 tons. Mutton exports grew 2.2 times, reaching 18,000 tons. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Turkey expressed interest in importing Kazakh meat, reportedly offering prices nearly double those proposed by China.

Air Pollution

World Bank: Over 65,000 Premature Deaths a Year in Central Asia Linked To Air Pollution

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in Central Asia, with significant consequences for human life and regional economies. A new World Bank assessment highlights the scale of the crisis, linking poor air quality to more than 65,000 premature deaths in 2021 across the region. The report identifies pollution from fossil fuel combustion, especially for heating and transportation, as a major contributor to declining air quality in both urban and rural areas. Transboundary sand and dust storms are compounding the problem, affecting multiple countries simultaneously. In many Central Asian cities, concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceed safe limits by a wide margin. During the winter, levels can spike to six to twelve times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended thresholds. The economic burden is also staggering: the annual health costs associated with air pollution are estimated at $15-21 billion, representing 3-5% of the region’s GDP in 2022. Human-Caused Emissions Dominate According to experts, 50-80% of PM2.5 exposure is due to human activity, primarily the burning of solid fuels for heating in households and small businesses. While natural dust is a contributing factor in some areas, anthropogenic sources remain the dominant driver. The World Bank argues that this crisis can be mitigated with the right policy interventions. Effective strategies include reducing emissions from household heating, traffic, and industrial operations, as well as expanding urban green spaces. To better coordinate efforts, the Bank advocates for an “airshed approach”, a governance model that promotes joint responsibility between national and local authorities to improve air quality. Additional recommendations include strengthening air quality laws and monitoring systems, updating standards, raising public awareness, and enhancing cross-border cooperation among Central Asian states. Impact on Children A separate report by UNICEF underscores the disproportionate toll air pollution takes on children. In 2021, approximately 6,441 children and teenagers across Europe and Central Asia died from air pollution-related causes, 85% of them under the age of one. UNICEF stressed that these deaths were entirely preventable. Experts maintain that improving air quality could yield wide-ranging benefits, including increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of life. They urge governments to integrate air quality management into climate and development plans to unlock additional financial and technical assistance.

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

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.