Improved Key Health Indicators in Maternal and Child Care noted in Kazakhstan
In 2024, Kazakhstan made significant strides in improving maternal and child health, with a 12% decrease in maternal mortality and an 11% decrease in infant mortality[1][2][3][5]. This progress continued into the first half of 2025, with further reductions in maternal deaths and neonatal mortality[1][2].
The Kazakhstani government has implemented several key measures to achieve this improvement. One of the strategies involved adopting World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommendations and updating clinical protocols in obstetrics and pediatrics to improve the quality of care[1][2][3].
Another significant step was the introduction of new postpartum hemorrhage prevention techniques and organ-preserving surgeries, which increased such surgeries by 20%, enhancing maternal outcomes[1][2]. To address the needs of critically ill mothers and newborns in remote areas, medical aviation (air ambulance) services were expanded, saving 96% of these patients[1][2][3].
To improve access to expensive medications, tariffs for obstetric and pediatric services were increased starting June 2024[2][3]. This move helped reduce medical institutions' debt burdens, attract qualified specialists, and indirectly address staff shortages. Additionally, medications for pregnant women with chronic conditions, such as pyelonephritis, diabetes, and hypertension, were added to the national free drug list in 2025[3].
In terms of healthcare digitalization and addressing staff shortages, a child’s electronic health passport was introduced for school and kindergarten admission. A digital health profile was created for every child under 18, and pregnant women began receiving proactive digital notifications for screenings and appointments, enhancing follow-up and care coordination[2].
The government prioritized building modern perinatal centers, such as those in Shymkent and Karaganda, to further reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve regional healthcare capacity[4]. Furthermore, rural doctors are eligible for one-time payments of up to 8.5 million tenge (US$15,729) to help address staff shortages[6].
The Analar Saulygy (Maternal Health) project was launched, including pregnancy preparation programs, expanded screenings, fetal diagnosis, and fetal surgery development, plus specialized facilities for women from remote regions[2]. Pediatric residency training also resumed in Kazakhstan, with 162 graduates last year and 159 this year[7].
Fetal surgery is being developed in Kazakhstan to save infants before birth, and the Ministry of Health continues to implement comprehensive reforms to safeguard maternal and child health[8]. These combined strategies have driven Kazakhstan’s notable progress in maternal and child health in 2024 and early 2025.
References: [1] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024). Improving maternal and child health in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from [www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/01/01/улучшение-здоровья-матерей-и-детей-в-республике-казахстан](http://www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/01/01/%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8E%D1%87%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B8-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B9-%D0%B2-%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%B2-%D0%A0%D0%A1-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD](http://www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/01/01/%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8E%D1%87%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B8-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B9-%D0%B2-%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B5-%D0%B2-%D0%A0%D0%A1-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD)
[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Kazakhstan's progress in maternal and child health. Retrieved from www.who.int/countries/kaz/news/2024/kazakhstan-maternal-child-health
[3] UNICEF. (2024). Kazakhstan's achievements in maternal and child health. Retrieved from www.unicef.org/kazakhstan/maternal_child_health
[4] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024). Building modern perinatal centers in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/04/01/строительство-современных-перинатальных-центров-в-республике-казахстан
[5] World Bank. (2025). Kazakhstan's progress in maternal and child health. Retrieved from www.worldbank.org/en/country/kazakhstan/publication/kazakhstans-progress-in-maternal-and-child-health
[6] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024). Supporting rural doctors in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/07/01/поддержка-врачей-из-сельской-медицины-в-республике-казахстан
[7] Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024). Pediatric residency training resumes in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/10/01/%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%B2-%D0%A0%D0%A1-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD
[8] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2024). Comprehensive reforms to safeguard maternal and child health in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from www.mz.gov.kz/ru/news/2024/12/01/%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%8B-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%8B-%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B8-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B9-%D0%B2-%D0%A0%D0%A1-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD
- Alongside their efforts in maternal health, the Kazakhstani government is also focusing on various medical conditions and chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing issues, and skin conditions.
- In the realm of health and wellness, personal growth, career development, and education and self-development, Kazakhstan is exploring potential applications for CBD, a substance derived from the cannabis plant.
- As part of an ongoing initiative, the government is investigating therapies and treatments for neurological disorders.
- In addition to its focus on improving maternal health, the Kazakhstani government is also addressing the needs of men through programs and policies under the umbrella of mens' health.
- To support families and promote child-rearing, the government is providing resources and guidance for parenting.
- Fitness and exercise play a crucial role in overall health and wellness, and Kazakhstan is promoting and encouraging physical activity for all age groups.
- To tackle cardiovascular health concerns, the government is implementing recommended clinical protocols in this area.
- Expanding telemedicine services and digital health records is a priority for the Kazakhstani government in order to improve diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for patients suffering from a wide range of medical conditions.
- The government is actively working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, providing resources and support for those experiencing mental health issues.
- As part of their commitment to improving health and wellness, the Kazakhstani government is working to increase access to affordable hearing aid devices for those with hearing impairments.
- In their efforts to improve overall health outcomes, the Kazakhstani government is also increasing funding for rare diseases research, including research on cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and various genetic disorders.
