Achievements of Kazakhstan in combating cardiovascular diseases and cancer brought to light in a World Health Organization report
Kazakhstan is making significant strides in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a 20% decrease in smoking prevalence and a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs [1][3]. This progress is a testament to the country's bold policy actions, which target the main drivers of NCDs, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancer [2].
The nation's comprehensive national programs focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of major NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases [2]. Key measures include combating primary risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, which are linked to various cancers and cardiovascular conditions [2].
Kazakhstan's efforts extend beyond smoking cessation. The country has strengthened cancer prevention efforts, including for cervical cancer, contributing to a reduction in mortality rates [5]. This integrated approach, involving health system strengthening, public awareness, and promotion of healthier lifestyles, has increased life expectancy and decreased overall mortality rates [3][5].
Cooperation with the World Health Organization's European Regional Bureau (WHO's ERB) has played a crucial role in shaping Kazakhstan's NCD prevention and treatment strategies [4]. The country has also achieved the 2025 goal of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 25%, making it the first in Central Asia to reach this milestone [4].
Kazakhstan's successes extend to complex surgical operations, with the nation becoming a leader in heart and lung transplants among Central Asian countries [6]. The country has also expanded screening programs for early detection of NCDs within its national healthcare system, covering eight diseases including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer [7].
By January 2025, over 116,000 girls (33.4% of the planned number) had been vaccinated in Kazakhstan's HPV vaccination campaign [8]. The government plans to address these issues moving forward, strengthening its NCD prevention and control policy [9].
However, challenges remain. Kazakhstan lacks measures to reduce salt intake and limit marketing of unhealthy products to children. Norms regarding breast milk substitutes and trans fats are only partially implemented [10]. The nation has banned the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in schools and passed a law prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to those under 21 [11].
Despite these challenges, Kazakhstan is setting an example for other countries in the Region in combating cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The report "Preventable mortality, risk factors, and strategies for combating NCDs - using data to achieve results" highlights Kazakhstan's experience and provides new data on NCDs from various parts of the WHO European Region [12]. As of 2023, the average life expectancy in Kazakhstan stands at 75.09 years [13]. Mortality rates have stabilized at 6.5 cases per 1000 people in 2023 and 2024 [14].
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's commitment to combating NCDs is evident in its successful implementation of various measures, from reducing tobacco use to expanding screening programs. The nation's progress serves as a beacon for other countries in the Region, demonstrating the potential for effective NCD prevention and control policies.
- Kazakhstan's comprehensive national programs target the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of major chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
- The country's efforts to combat primary risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use are aimed at reducing mortality rates from conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Kazakhstan's success in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% is a significant step towards improving cardiovascular health, health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and nutrition.
- The World Health Organization's European Regional Bureau (WHO's ERB) has played a crucial role in shaping Kazakhstan's strategies for preventing and treating NCDs, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
