Enhancements in Key Health Metrics for Mothers and Children Observed in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, the government is making significant strides in improving maternal and child health. The country's key strategy for the past year has focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates through strengthening the healthcare system.
Recently reported figures show a 10% decrease in maternal mortality and a 26.3% decrease in infant mortality in the first half of 2025. These reductions represent significant progress over recent years, with mortality rates reduced more than sixfold overall.
The government's efforts include the construction of modern perinatal centers, such as those planned for Shymkent and Karaganda. Additionally, the integration of telemedicine has contributed to a 24% reduction in neonatal mortality.
The government is also focusing on creating a sustainable, inclusive, patient-oriented healthcare system. To this end, a digital health profile is being created for every child under 18 in Kazakhstan.
However, challenges remain. Rural-urban health disparities persist, and there is a need for improved mental, reproductive, and adolescent health services. Comprehensive prevention programs, especially for vulnerable populations, are also a priority.
The government is committed to ensuring equitable primary healthcare access to improve outcomes consistent with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
Under the Analar Saulygy (Maternal Health in Kazakh) project, Kazakhstan is developing new approaches including organ-preserving surgeries and enhanced postpartum care. Fetal surgery is also being developed to save infants before birth. New medications for pregnant women with chronic conditions have been added to the national formulary, and pregnant women now receive proactive digital notifications for screenings and appointments.
Pediatric residency training has resumed in Kazakhstan, with 162 graduates last year and 159 this year. Rural doctors are eligible for one-time payments of up to 8.5 million tenge (US$15,729). Medical aviation services in Kazakhstan have saved 96% of critical patients.
Despite these advances, some regions in Kazakhstan report rising mortality rates due to extragenital diseases in mothers and congenital or respiratory conditions in children.
In June 2023, tariffs for related medical services such as childbirth, surgeries, and neonatal care were increased in Kazakhstan.
As Kazakhstan continues to implement comprehensive reforms to improve maternal and child health, service quality, and expand pediatric care nationwide, it remains committed to ensuring equitable access and sustainable healthcare system reform.
[1] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2025). Kazakhstan's Maternal and Child Health Strategy. Retrieved from www.mz.gov.kz/strategy
[3] World Health Organization. (2025). Universal Health Coverage: Kazakhstan's Progress and Challenges. Retrieved from www.who.int/countries/kaz/profiles/health-systems/en/
- In line with the government's focus on mental, reproductive, and adolescent health, a comprehensive prevention program for vulnerable populations is being developed to address the persistent health disparities in rural areas.
- To further advance health and wellness in Kazakhstan, the government is exploring the potential integration of CBD-based therapies for managing medical conditions, following the growing interest in this area globally.
- The country's commitment to policy and legislation extends to issues of women's health as well, with new treatments such as organ-preserving surgeries and enhanced postpartum care being introduced under the Analar Saulygy (Maternal Health in Kazakh) project.
- As Kazakhstan progresses in improving maternal and child health, the government keeps a close eye on general news and emerging trends in science, especially those related to new treatments like fetal surgery, to continually optimize healthcare services for its citizens.
