One Health in Central Asia: Regional consultations for the “One Health in Central Asia” program wrapped up online (June 8–12), aligning Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on pandemic prevention, food systems resilience and ecosystem health ahead of the June 25 council meeting, with the World Bank supporting a package of strategic and regulatory documents. Teacher, healthcare and child-rights protections: President Tokayev signed laws amending legislation on teachers’ status, including changes tied to education, healthcare and child rights protection, plus updates to the Administrative Offenses Code. Antibiotic dispensing oversight: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health plans to strengthen control over the dispensing of antibacterial drugs. Cancer care reform (regional): Uzbekistan is set to launch cancer care reforms in 2027, aiming for earlier detection, expanded palliative support and higher screening coverage via stronger primary healthcare referral pathways. Pension access debate: Kazakhstan saw a surge in one-time pension withdrawals for housing in May (119,100 applications), ahead of tighter minimum sufficiency thresholds, reigniting discussion of the state pension system’s balance between protection and investment returns. Shymkent healthcare infrastructure: Shymkent reported GRP growth and ongoing social projects, including a new 200-bed perinatal center under construction and a 150-bed rehabilitation center planned to open this year.