AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports major progress in maternal and child care, with maternal mortality down sixfold since independence and another 35% over the past five years, plus early pregnancy registration for over 90% of women and free primary screenings under the Analar Saulygy program. Infant & Child Care: Infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, and child healthcare funding has more than doubled, with about 25% of healthcare spending now directed to child health. Primary Care Access: The One-Day Clinic model lets expectant mothers complete key exams in one visit, supported by a multi-level network of women’s consultations, perinatal centers, and children’s hospitals. Health Infrastructure Push: Kazakhstan says it has built over 1,250 healthcare facilities in seven years and continues expanding early intervention and rehabilitation services. Public Health Training Link: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to boost public health training through workshops, research, and knowledge exchange. Nuclear Medicine Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Russia’s Kurchatov Institute agreed to collaborate on fusion research, reactor tech, and nuclear medicine, including joint training and digitalization. One Health Focus: A new One Health discussion highlights Central Asia’s readiness for zoonotic threats like hantavirus and the need for cross-sector action.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports major progress in maternal and child health, with maternal mortality down sharply since independence and further declines in recent years, plus wider early pregnancy registration and free primary-care screenings. Child Health Funding: The country says spending for children’s medical care has more than doubled, with a large share of healthcare budgets now directed to child health. Digital Prevention Push: The One-Day Clinic model and fetal medicine services are highlighted as ways to speed up care and detect risks earlier. One Health Preparedness: Central Asian health, agriculture and environment ministries, with WHO/FAO/WOAH and the World Bank, reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic preparedness project for the Pandemic Fund. AI in Healthcare: Healthy4U expands an AI preventive health platform to Kazakhstan via partnerships with local institutions and talks with government stakeholders. Food & Nutrition Safety: Uzbekistan removed several Chinese-made children’s toys after lab tests flagged safety and chemical concerns, including formaldehyde levels above limits. Regional Health Tech Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Russia sign a memorandum to cooperate on nuclear medicine and reactor technologies, including training and joint research. Public Health Context: Commentary also spotlights Kazakhstan’s long-running male mortality and alcohol-related risks, pointing to behavior and environment as key drivers.

Maternal & Child Health Wins: Kazakhstan reports major progress in women’s and children’s healthcare, including a 7.5-fold drop in infant mortality since independence, maternal mortality down 43% in recent years, and wider early pregnancy registration plus free primary-care screenings under the Analar Saulygy program. Cancer & Complex Surgery: Doctors in Almaty performed a rare combined procedure—cesarean delivery followed immediately by uterus-preserving removal of six fibroid tumors—highlighting advances in obstetrics and gynecology. Digital Health Expansion: Healthy4U is entering Kazakhstan with an AI preventive health platform, partnering with local institutions and engaging government stakeholders on the national digital health agenda. One Health Preparedness: Central Asian countries and the World Bank reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic preparedness project, aiming to strengthen health, veterinary, and environmental coordination. Public Health & Safety: Kazakhstan’s broader health context also includes ongoing attention to preventable risks, while regional health concerns like antimicrobial resistance remain a growing threat to food security. Healthcare-Adjacent Policy: Kazakhstan also channels child-focused spending growth and continues building and upgrading healthcare facilities and services for early intervention.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports major progress in women’s health, with maternal mortality down sixfold since independence and another 35% over the past five years, plus early pregnancy registration for over 90% of expectant mothers and free primary-care screenings under the “Analar Saulygy” program. Child Healthcare Funding: The Ministry of Health says infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, supported by a multi-tier children’s system and rising budgets for children’s care (from 264 to 585 billion tenge), with preventive projects like “First 1001 Days.” Cancer Care Spotlight: Almaty reports nearly 2,000 new cancer cases since January 2026, underscoring ongoing demand for diagnosis and treatment capacity. Complex Surgery Success: Doctors in Almaty performed a rare organ-preserving combined procedure—cesarean delivery followed immediately by myomectomy—removing six uterine tumors while avoiding hysterectomy. Digital Prevention Push: Healthy4U says it is expanding its AI health platform to Kazakhstan via local partnerships, aiming to strengthen preventive care access. One Health Preparedness: Central Asia reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic preparedness project with the World Bank, WHO, FAO, and others, focusing on health, veterinary, and environmental coordination. Public Health Risk Watch: Kazakhstan-linked regional health concerns also appear in coverage of antimicrobial resistance and formaldehyde risks from unsafe children’s products in Central Asia.

Maternal & Child Health: Kazakhstan reports infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, with children’s care now covering birth to age 17 and funding for children’s healthcare rising from 264bn to 585bn tenge; officials also highlight early screening and the “First 1001 Days” approach. Cancer Prevention: Almaty Oncology Center held an open-house on melanoma, skin cancer and thyroid diseases; 179 people got consultations, five were flagged for further skin cancer diagnostics, and the city recorded 1,962 new oncology cases from Jan–Apr 2026 amid improved screening access. Women’s Health Care Delivery: Doctors in Almaty performed a rare combined procedure—cesarean delivery followed immediately by myomectomy—removing six uterine fibroids (4–10 cm) while preserving the uterus. Digital Health & AI: Healthy4U expands into Kazakhstan with partnerships and talks with government stakeholders to support preventive care and align with the national digital health agenda. One Health in Central Asia: Kazakhstan joined a regional One Health review with the World Bank and WHO/FAO/WOAH/UNEP to track progress on pandemic preparedness and response, feeding into a report for the Pandemic Fund. Public Health Policy: Kazakhstan amends labor rules to strengthen worker protections, including guarantees around medical exams and screening tests, plus digitalization steps linking healthcare organizations, employees and employers. Food Safety & Antibiotic Resistance: FAO warns antimicrobial resistance is a growing long-term threat to food security and livestock health, urging action to curb misuse.

One Health in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and neighbors reviewed progress on a Pandemic Fund “One Health” project with WHO, FAO, WOAH and others, aiming to deliver a regional report by July 31, 2026. AI in healthcare: Healthy4U says it’s expanding its multi-agent AI health platform into Kazakhstan via local partnerships and talks with government on preventive care and digital health. Maternal and infant health gains: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, alongside plans like “First 1001 Days” and expanded child healthcare funding. Cancer screening push: Almaty Oncology Center held an open day for melanoma, skin cancer and thyroid checks; 1,962 new oncology cases were registered in Almaty Jan–Apr 2026, with officials linking higher detection to better screening access. Complex surgery success: Almaty doctors performed a planned cesarean plus organ-preserving myomectomy, removing six uterine fibroids while delivering a healthy baby. Food safety and health risk: FAO warns antimicrobial resistance could rise sharply if livestock antimicrobial use isn’t curbed, threatening both animal health and food security. Public health in the region: Uzbekistan withdrew several Chinese-made children’s toys after lab tests found safety issues including excessive formaldehyde.

Cancer Care Update: Almaty’s Oncology Center held an open-house on melanoma, skin cancer and thyroid screening, with 1,962 new cancer cases registered Jan–Apr 2026; officials link higher detection to expanded screening and better access to diagnostics, while noting Kazakhstan’s cancer mortality fell 14% over five years. Diabetes Watch: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports type 1 and type 2 diabetes incidence dropped in Q1 2026 (308.7 per 100,000 vs 313.5 in Q1 2025), citing stronger endocrinology services and prevention at primary care. Maternal Health: Kazakhstan saw maternal mortality fall by 43% (Q1 figures cited in the week’s coverage). Workplace & Health System Reform: Kazakhstan amends labor legislation to expand worker protections, add guarantees around medical exams and screening tests, and strengthen occupational safety; related healthcare code changes aim to digitalize communication between medical organizations, employees and employers about required screenings. Public Health Infrastructure: Kazakhstan opened Central Asia’s first specialized Brain Institute at Al-Farabi KazNU, focusing on brain health research and AI-assisted medical work, including advanced imaging and diagnostics. Safety & Tragedy: A deadly Kazzinc plant blast in eastern Kazakhstan was preliminarily blamed on violations of technological procedures; authorities also continue investigating other fatal industrial incidents. Student Medical Community: Two Indian MBBS students drowned while swimming in Kazakhstan; FAIMA has asked India’s MEA for help with repatriation and documentation. Wellness & Prevention: Almaty’s screenings and Kazakhstan’s diabetes and maternal-health trends all point to a broader push toward earlier detection and stronger preventive care.

Diabetes Care Update: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports a drop in type 1 and type 2 diabetes incidence in Q1 2026 (308.7 per 100,000 vs 313.5 in Q1 2025), citing stronger endocrinology services and prevention at primary care, plus wider “diabetes schools” and dynamic monitoring. Brain Research Boost: Kazakhstan opened Central Asia’s first specialized Brain Research Institute at Al-Farabi KazNU in Almaty, aiming to advance neuroscience, brain health, and AI-assisted medical research, with plans for new diagnostic biomarkers. Maternal Health Progress: Kazakhstan saw maternal mortality fall by 43% (Q1 figures), reflecting ongoing improvements in health services. Public Health & Safety: Authorities preliminarily blamed a deadly Kazzinc plant blast on violations of technological procedures; prior inspections reportedly found multiple industrial safety issues. Health Workforce Tragedy: Two Indian MBBS students drowned in Kazakhstan; FAIMA and doctors’ groups are seeking urgent MEA help for repatriation and support for families. One Health Focus: A World Bank official urged Central Asia to strengthen the “One Health” approach by better linking human, animal, and environmental health through cross-sector partnerships.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports maternal mortality down 43% in Q1 2026 (6.8 vs 12.0 per 100,000 live births), alongside lower infant mortality, citing wider early pregnancy monitoring and pre-pregnancy care plus renovations to 19 regional perinatal centers. Diabetes Update: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes incidence fell in Q1 2026 (308.7 vs 313.5 per 100,000), with progress linked to stronger endocrinology services, diabetes schools, and more preventive visits in primary care. New Brain Research Push: Kazakhstan opened Central Asia’s first specialized Brain Research Institute at Al-Farabi KazNU, aiming to advance diagnostics and treatment for neurological and cognitive disorders using MRI, EEG, and AI-assisted analytics. Public Health Through “One Health”: A World Bank official urged Central Asia to better integrate human, animal, and environmental health, stressing partnerships across governments and the private sector. Safety & Emergency Response: Authorities preliminarily blamed a Kazzinc plant blast on violations of technological procedures, after prior industrial safety issues were flagged; investigations continue. Medical Community Tragedy: Two Indian MBBS students drowned in Kazakhstan; FAIMA and families are seeking urgent help to repatriate remains. Healthcare Capacity Concern: Separate coverage highlights Kazakhstan’s growing shortage of doctors and medical personnel.

Brain Health Breakthrough: Kazakhstan opened Central Asia’s first specialized Brain Research Institute at Al-Farabi KazNU in Almaty, aiming to boost neuroscience research and training using advanced MRI and EEG tools plus AI-assisted medical studies. Diabetes Update: Kazakhstan reported a drop in overall diabetes incidence in Q1 2026 (308.7 per 100,000 vs 313.5 in Q1 2025), citing stronger endocrinology services and more prevention work in primary care. Maternal Care Gains: Maternal mortality fell 43% in the first quarter of 2026 (6.8 vs 12.0 per 100,000 live births), alongside improved early pregnancy monitoring and expanded perinatal center renovation plans. Pharma Investment Surge: Investment in Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing hit $142.8m in 2025—over triple 2023—supporting modernization, capacity expansion, and localization. Student Tragedy Abroad: Two Indian MBBS students drowned while swimming in Kazakhstan; FAIMA has asked India’s MEA and the embassy for urgent help repatriating the bodies. Public Health & Safety: A deadly Kazzinc plant blast in eastern Kazakhstan was preliminarily linked to violations of technological procedures, with investigations continuing after three workers died.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry reports maternal mortality fell 43% in Q1 2026 (6.8 vs 12.0 per 100,000 live births), alongside lower infant mortality, citing wider early pregnancy monitoring (77.6%) and pre-pregnancy care (54.5%), plus renovation plans for 19 regional perinatal centers. Pharma Investment Boost: Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing investment hit $142.8m in 2025—over triple 2023—driven by facility modernization and capacity expansion, with domestic producers holding about 15% market share in 2025. Tragedy Abroad, Consular Response: Two Indian MBBS students drowned in Kazakhstan; FAIMA urged India’s MEA to help repatriate bodies from Karaganda Medical University. Violence & Care Needs: A Karaganda woman’s story highlights severe domestic abuse and the urgent medical consequences, underscoring the need for prevention and safer help-seeking pathways. Mental Health & Rights: An appellate court upheld the transfer of former priest Iakov Vorontsov to a psychiatric facility, while HRW warns about psychiatric detention used as repression. Public Health Context: Kazakhstan’s broader healthcare system is also in focus amid ongoing concerns about staffing and service capacity.

Psychiatric Detention in Kazakhstan: Human Rights Watch says authorities forcibly transferred defrocked Orthodox priest Yakov Vorontsov to a psychiatric facility near Almaty after a court order, alleging politically motivated repression via psychiatric detention. Religious Freedom Crackdown in Kyrgyzstan: Forum 18 reports Kyrgyz secret police raided a Council of Churches Baptist worship meeting in Bishkek, issuing fines for holding an unregistered religious gathering. Maternal Health Gains in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan’s healthcare authorities report maternal mortality falling from 12.0 to 6.8 per 100,000 live births over three months, with infant mortality down too, alongside expanded early pregnancy monitoring and free primary-care screenings. Pharma Investment Surge: Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing investment hit $142.8m in 2025 (up from $91.3m in 2024), with growth tied to modernization and a nationwide labeling/traceability system launched in July 2024. AI & Digital Health Push: Kazakhstan declared 2026 the Year of AI and Digital Development, highlighting plans for data infrastructure and education initiatives that could support future digital health services. Cross-border Medical Support: FAIMA urged Kazakhstan’s Ministry of External Affairs to help repatriate two Indian medical students’ bodies after their drowning in Kazakhstan.

Maternal Health Update (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan’s Healthcare Ministry says maternal mortality fell from 12.0 to 6.8 per 100,000 live births in the past three months, with infant mortality dropping from 5.92 to 5.56 per 1,000; early pregnancy monitoring reached 77.6% and preconception care 54.5%, supported by the Analar Saulygy program and plans to renovate 19 perinatal centers. Pharma Investment (Kazakhstan): Investment in Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical production rose steadily—$46.9m (2023) to $91.3m (2024) and $142.8m (2025)—as authorities push modernization, localization, and a labeling/traceability system launched July 1, 2024. Digital Health & AI (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan’s “Year of AI and Digital Development” highlights education licenses, leadership training, and a Data Center Valley plan, with digital transformation also tied to healthcare and e-government ambitions. Public Health & Safety (Kazakhstan): Emergency teams rescued eight lost tourists in Almaty’s mountains near Shymbulak; no injuries reported. Regional Health Cooperation (Kazakhstan): Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed a trade and investment roadmap covering pharmaceuticals and logistics, aiming to turn earlier agreements into operational projects.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports a sharp drop in maternal mortality (from 12.0 to 6.8 per 100,000 live births) and lower infant mortality (5.92 to 5.56 per 1,000) alongside wider early pregnancy monitoring and preconception care, supported by the Analar Saulygy program and plans to renovate perinatal centers. Pharma Investment Boost: The country’s pharmaceutical sector is seeing rising investor interest, with investment climbing from $46.9m (2023) to $142.8m (2025), plus growth in locally made medicines and a labeling/traceability system launched in 2024. Healthcare System Expansion: Kazakhstan is also moving to strengthen primary care and maternity services, including restarting women’s consultations and opening new hostels at perinatal centers for high-risk pregnancies. Emergency Response in Almaty: Eight tourists lost in the mountains above Shymbulak were rescued after a distress call to 112; no injuries were reported. Rescue Operations in Mangystau: British tourists stranded in a salt marsh near Tuzbair were extracted after a 24+ hour operation, again with no medical needs. Bilateral Health Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a trade and investment roadmap that explicitly includes pharmaceuticals, logistics, and health-related industry cooperation.

Pharma Investment Boost: Kazakhstan’s healthcare ministry says pharmaceutical investment is climbing fast, with inflows rising from $46.9m (2023) to $91.3m (2024) and $142.8m (2025), alongside efforts to modernize plants and grow local medicine and medical device output, including via a labeling and traceability system. AI for Health & Digital Growth: Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with its “Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,” including education licenses and AI adoption plans that also touch healthcare services and digital infrastructure. Nuclear Safety & Medical Links: Kazakhstan and Russia signed a 2026–2030 cooperation programme on nuclear and radiological safety, while a major nuclear power deal is moving forward—an area that also connects to nuclear medicine and safety oversight. Regional Trade Roadmap (Including Pharmaceuticals): Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed a practical roadmap in Astana covering joint projects across energy, chemicals, logistics—and pharmaceuticals—aimed at turning earlier agreements into operational investments. Religious Rights & Health System Risk: Kazakhstan-linked coverage highlights a case where a former Orthodox priest was moved to a psychiatric institution for mandatory evaluation, raising due-process and rights concerns.

AI & Digital Health Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev met Cuba’s VP Salvador Valdés Mesa in Astana, discussing AI and digital cooperation, with both sides flagging medicine and pharmaceuticals as priority areas. Cross-border Health Trade: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed a practical roadmap for investment and trade, explicitly listing pharmaceuticals among targeted sectors. Nuclear Safety & Medical Links: Tokayev received IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, with a roadmap through 2036 covering nuclear medicine and science, as Kazakhstan deepens its atomic energy and safety cooperation. Healthcare Tech in Practice: Putin said Russia is using digital tools in healthcare—forming patient profiles en route to hospitals and speeding imaging review—while also touting AI-driven service improvements. Public Health & Access: Russia temporarily halted sales of Armenia’s Jermuk mineral water over health concerns, affecting millions of units. Workforce Pressure: Kazakhstan faces a growing shortage of doctors and medical personnel, raising pressure on health system capacity.