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In a recent government meeting, Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova shared alarming data regarding high maternal and child mortality rates in several regions of Kazakhstan. The regions with increased maternal mortality rates include Akmolinsky, Zhambylsky, Akmola, Kostanay, Jetisu, and Abai, while those with increased infant mortality rates include Kyzylorda, Kostanay, West Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Abai, and the city of Almaty.
Perinatal conditions and congenital malformations are the primary causes of these high mortality rates. In the Akmolinsky region, the highest rate of maternal deaths is seven times higher than the republican average, with most deaths due to severe extra-genital diseases and obstetric causes.
To address these issues, Minister Alnazarova outlined a series of measures aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates. These systemic and coordinated measures include the adoption of a comprehensive National Development Plan until 2029 focused on maternal and child health, with a detailed program running until 2030.
The plan involves implementing WHO and UNICEF recommendations on regionalization of perinatal care and safe motherhood technologies. Additionally, 25 new clinical standards and protocols in obstetrics and 20 in pediatrics will be updated and introduced, aligned with international requirements.
The measures also encompass the introduction of new approaches to managing postpartum hemorrhage, increasing organ-preserving surgeries by 20% in the current year. Medical aviation will be used to provide timely assistance, saving 96% of women and children requiring urgent care.
To enhance the equipment rate of maternity and child healthcare facilities, the rate will be increased to 87%, with reduced equipment wear. Tariffs for pediatric services, childbirth, and obstetric surgeries will also be increased to improve resources and service quality. Innovative treatment methods in obstetrics and pediatrics will be introduced, and the continued construction and modernization of perinatal centers will enhance accessibility and quality of care across regions.
The Minister also urged regional akims to allocate funds from the local budget for staffing medical organizations and called for improvements in personnel qualifications in medical organizations. Moreover, the Minister stressed the need to supply contraceptives to women of reproductive age from vulnerable groups.
These measures have already led to a maternal mortality reduction of 12% and an infant mortality reduction of 11% in 2024, with further reductions of 10% and 26%, respectively, in the first half of 2025. The efforts cover all regions mentioned by strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure, clinical protocols, and emergency response capabilities.
It is essential to note that respiratory diseases are also contributing factors to the high mortality rates. However, no specific causes for the increase in infant mortality rates were mentioned in the report. Earlier, the Ministry of Health reported 22 medical errors during childbirth in Kazakhstan.
These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to improving maternal and child health in Kazakhstan and reducing the high mortality rates in the affected regions. The measures are expected to improve the quality of care, reduce errors, and ultimately save lives.
Science and health-and-wellness are integral to the strategies being implemented by the government to address the high maternal and child mortality rates in certain regions of Kazakhstan. The announced measures incorporate WHO and UNICEF recommendations on regionalization of perinatal care and safe motherhood technologies, along with the introduction of new approaches to managing postpartum hemorrhage and innovative treatment methods in obstetrics and pediatrics.
