WHO Report Highlights Kazakhstan's Progress in Tackling Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer
A World Health Organization (WHO) report recognizes Kazakhstan's significant achievements in reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The country has become the first in Central Asia to meet a key global target for noncommunicable disease reduction.
Kazakhstan has successfully met the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2025 target for reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), achieving a 25% reduction. The country is the first in Central Asia to reach this milestone, according to a new WHO/Europe report.
The report, "Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling noncommunicable diseases – leveraging data for impact," details the strategies Kazakhstan has employed to strengthen its health system, particularly in combating cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The nation's focus on prevention, early detection, improved treatment, and higher survival rates serves as a model for the region.
Kazakhstan has implemented 50% of WHO-recommended policies for NCDs and partially implemented another 36%. The country has heavily invested in specialized cardiac and stroke care centers, increasing catheterization labs nationwide from 31 to 49 between 2017 and 2024. Eighty-three stroke emergency centers have also contributed to reducing mortality and disability. Furthermore, Kazakhstan has advanced in heart and lung transplants and launched a national HPV vaccination campaign in September 2024, with over 116,000 girls vaccinated by January 2025.
Screening programs for eight diseases, including breast and colorectal cancers, achieved 70% coverage in 2024. The report also notes that life expectancy in Kazakhstan rose to 75.09 years in 2023, with mortality rates declining. These efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to public health, aligning national practices with global standards.