Enhancing Healthcare Collaborations with Turkic Nations and World Health Organization Reinforced by Kazakhstan
Title: Kazakhstan's Healthcare Evolution: A Collaborative Modernization
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently convened with health ministers from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, in Astana.
During the meeting, Kazakhstan's Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova, shared updates on the outcomes of the fifth gathering of OTS Health Ministers. The gathering highlighted Kazakhstan's current focus on healthcare modernization, involving the construction of new facilities, establishment of specialized clinics, and upgrading medical equipment. [Photograph credit: Prime Minister's press service]
The discussion revolved around increasing Kazakhstan's engagement with the OTS, with an emphasis on exchanging expertise and adopting modern medical technologies. The meeting also addressed strategies for improving healthcare in Kazakhstan and its partner nations. Emphasis was placed on the importance of a united response amongst OTS member states to tackle global health challenges.
Bektenov emphasized the significance of collective efforts and close partnerships in confronting large-scale health threats. He highlighted Kazakhstan's ongoing healthcare modernization, including its expansion of infrastructure, multidisciplinary clinics, and advancements in medical equipment. Moreover, Bektenov mentioned efforts to strengthen the pharma sector.
WHO's support in these endeavors was acknowledged, with Bektenov crediting their collaboration for a decrease in diseases related to the respiratory, circulatory, and other systems, as well as mortality rates. He expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to share its experiences with other OTS countries.
Partners commended Kazakhstan's strides in enhancing healthcare services. In the upcoming two years, the focus will be on refining primary healthcare, addressing emergency care, combating tuberculosis and other diseases, as well as pharmaceutical cooperation, particularly with Hungary's relevant government agencies. The importance of improving water hygiene was also addressed.
Collaboration with WHO
The collaborative relationship with the WHO takes shape within the framework of the implementation of two-year cooperation agreements between the WHO's Regional Office for Europe and Kazakh Ministry of Health. Key areas of cooperation for the 2024-2025 period include universal healthcare coverage, emergency preparedness, prevention of non-communicable diseases, and integrating the One Health approach.
Kluge praised Kazakhstan's efforts to reduce premature deaths from chronic non-communicable diseases by implementing comprehensive preventive measures such as stopping vaping, implementing a strict alcohol policy, and introducing a vaccination program for human papillomavirus. Kluge discussed plans for the second phase of cooperation which includes the formation of the Academy of Primary Health Care, where future specialists from Kazakhstan can be trained as professional leaders in primary healthcare.
Kazakhstan's Healthcare Transformations
Kazakhstan champions accessible, high-quality primary care with a focus on three main areas:
- Infrastructure Advancements:
- The National Project for Rural Healthcare Modernization has led to the construction of 784 new medical facilities, including 467 primary healthcare centers. Mobile teams have been deployed to improve rural access.
- Screening initiatives have been launched for early detection of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Competence centers have been created for cardiology, oncology, and endocrinology.
- Nutrition Interventions:
- School nutrition reforms have been introduced to tackle prevalent health issues.
- Emergency Care Improvements:
- The National Coordination Center for Emergency Medicine has been transformed into a cross-Turkic collaboration platform.
- Pandemic readiness has been strengthened through infection control training supported by the WHO, with plans to establish regional centers of excellence.
In 2024, healthcare sector investments in Kazakhstan grew by 8.4%, accounting for approximately $920 million, with a third of it sourced from the private sector. Substantial growth was observed in pharmaceutical investments, reaching $91.3 million. By 2029, the aim is to achieve 50% local production of medicines.
Following the meeting, officials signed a joint declaration on health matters, a Joint Action Plan for healthcare, and several memorandums of cooperation in personnel training and biological safety.
In a significant move, on April 7, health ministers of the Organization of Turkic States signed a memorandum transforming Kazakhstan's National Coordination Center for Emergency Medicine into a single platform for collaboration.
- Kazakhstan's Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova, mentioned the National Project for Rural Healthcare Modernization, which has resulted in the construction of 784 new medical facilities, including 467 primary healthcare centers.
- The healthcare sector in Kazakhstan placed emphasis on screening initiatives for early detection of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, praised Kazakhstan's efforts in implementing a vaccination program for human papillomavirus to combat the papillomavirus medical condition.
- In the upcoming two years, Kazakhstan aims to focus on pharmaceutical cooperation, especially with Hungary's relevant government agencies, and aims to achieve 50% local production of medicines by 2029.
