UNFPA praises Kazakhstan’s progress in reducing maternal mortality
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan held a meeting with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Diene Keita, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing primeminister.kz.
The meeting focused on cooperation in healthcare, maternal and child protection, reproductive health, and support for women and youth.
Bektenov noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches great importance to comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations.
The Government of Kazakhstan is ready to further expand its partnership with UNFPA in line with our national priorities. The work of the UNFPA country office in Astana organically complements the large-scale socio-economic reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan. Through joint efforts, we are building a more just and inclusive society, he said.
Diene Keita, in turn, conveyed greetings to the Head of State and highly praised Kazakhstan’s achievements in the social sphere, emphasizing the Fund’s readiness to continue providing expert support for strategic initiatives.
The UN was created to pursue three main goals: peace, security, and sustainable development. Kazakhstan’s policies fully align with these principles. The reduction in maternal mortality demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to women and the population, and its focus on youth, education, and healthcare deserves high recognition. We at UNFPA intend to continue close cooperation with Kazakhstan. I would also like to highlight Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, which places human rights and freedom of choice at its center - a principle that is especially important in today’s era of global change. Your country consistently demonstrates what sustainable, people-centered development can look like, she stated.
She also noted Kazakhstan’s high level of technological development and the implementation of AI solutions in the healthcare system. During a visit to a city hospital in Astana, Keita highlighted its modern equipment, stating that it meets the standards of leading global medical institutions.
According to the Kazakh Health Ministry, maternal mortality has decreased by 35% over the past five years, while infant mortality has fallen by 25%.
The country is currently implementing a comprehensive program called Analar Saulygy (Mothers’ Health), aimed at improving maternal well-being. Additionally, 90 youth health centers are operating across the regions.
Previously, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan is building the 'one-stop shop' digital health system.
