Central Asian Nation Tops Region in Decreasing Pre-Mature Deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases
Kazakhstan has taken significant strides in combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), focusing on tobacco control, reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and salt reduction. This approach has helped the country achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2025 target of reducing premature NCD mortality by 25%.
The country's efforts in tobacco control are evident in its comprehensive policy measures. Kazakhstan has implemented a public smoking ban, graphic health warnings, tax hikes, restrictions on tobacco display and sales, and a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vapes. These measures have led to a decline in smoking prevalence, now estimated at around 20%.
Another key area of focus has been the reduction of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, particularly among minors. Kazakhstan has restricted the sale of these beverages and energy drinks to minors, contributing to a healthier population.
While specific policies on salt reduction are not explicitly detailed, Kazakhstan's comprehensive approach likely includes measures aligned with WHO recommendations. Given the role of salt intake in hypertension and cardiovascular risk, it is plausible that the country's strategy includes efforts to reduce salt consumption.
Kazakhstan's success in NCD prevention and management is not limited to policy measures. The country has seen success in advanced surgeries, including heart and lung transplants. This year, Kazakhstan performed its 100th heart transplant, a significant milestone in the country's healthcare sector.
Moreover, Kazakhstan's screening programs for eight diseases reached 70% of the target population for breast and colorectal cancer in 2024. This proactive approach to early detection and treatment has undoubtedly contributed to the country's improved health outcomes.
The government of Kazakhstan has also made significant investments in nationwide stroke and cardiac care centers. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of catheterization laboratories in Kazakhstan rose from 31 to 49. This expansion of healthcare infrastructure has undoubtedly improved the country's capacity to treat NCDs effectively.
Despite these successes, Kazakhstan faces challenges in fully implementing all recommended WHO policies on NCDs. According to a report, Kazakhstan has fully implemented about 50% and partially implemented another 36% of WHO NCD policies. Continued efforts are essential to address these gaps and further strengthen NCD policies in Kazakhstan.
The country's achievements are credited to strong political will and data-driven policies, including the use of health information systems and surveys like the WHO STEPS survey to monitor risk factors and inform interventions. As Kazakhstan continues to address NCDs, it is crucial to maintain this data-driven approach and sustain multi-sectoral actions over time.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's strategies to address NCDs are multifaceted, combining health system strengthening, policy measures, and data-driven monitoring. While the country has made significant progress, ongoing challenges relate to fully implementing WHO recommendations and sustaining multi-sectoral actions over time. With continued political will and strategic planning, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to continue reducing premature NCD deaths and improving the health of its population.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO) Europe. (2023). Kazakhstan’s progress in addressing noncommunicable diseases: Achievements and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289057163
[2] Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2023). Kazakhstan’s National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Retrieved from https://mzdrk.gov.kz/ru/documents/national-programme-for-the-prevention-and-control-of-noncommunicable-diseases-2021-2025
[3] World Health Organization (WHO) Europe. (2023). Kazakhstan’s progress in addressing noncommunicable diseases: Achievements and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289057163
- Kazakhstan's focus on chronic diseases extends to medical-conditions like cancer, as they continue to advocate for improved cancer treatment and early detection through screening programs.
- Kazakhstan's approach to health-and-wellness encompasses various aspects, including respiratory-conditions, digestive-health, and eye-health, as demonstrated by their progress in transplant surgeries and screening programs.
- Hearing health is also addressed in Kazakhstan's comprehensive health strategy, as they work to improve accessibility and quality of hearing therapies-and-treatments.
- One of the policy-and-legislation initiatives Kazakhstan implemented is a national plan addressing autoimmune-disorders, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatment options for those affected.
- In line with a balanced diet for general-news, Kazakhstan promotes nutrition awareness and education to maintain cardiovascular-health and support the overall health of its population.
- Fitness-and-exercise remains a crucial component in Kazakhstan's health-and-wellness strategy, with initiatives to increase public spaces for physical activities and promote sports among youth.
- Skin-conditions have garnered increased attention from the Kazakhstani government, with initiatives focusing on improved diagnostics, treatment, and preventative measures.
- Migration presents unique challenges in healthcare, and Kazakhstan is addressing these issues by providing services for refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring continuity of care in war-and-conflicts.
- Kazakhstan's efforts in healthcare extend beyond NCD management, with initiatives addressing mental health support for those displaced due to war-and-conflicts and policies prioritizing trauma-informed care.
- As Kazakhstan continues to navigate political, economic, and social changes, they will need to consider the impact of politics on their health policies, ensuring that policy-and-legislation supports health-and-wellness initiatives across the nation.
