News

12 researchers in WHO European Region awarded grants for research on TB and COVID-19 22-06-2021
12 research projects from the WHO European Region are being funded by the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) following a call to identify and address barriers and bottlenecks to implementing tuberculosis-related services in the Region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO/Europe joins forces with members of parliament and civil society to end the TB epidemic by 2030 18-05-2021
WHO/Europe is helping Member States leverage high-level political will to position the fight against tuberculosis (TB) as a whole-of-government and whole-of-society priority. It is hoped that better coordination linking the highest levels of government with the grassroots of society will galvanize the implementation of political commitments to end TB.
WHO/Europe helps Central Asian countries transition to an improved International Classification of Diseases 17-03-2021
WHO/Europe is supporting 5 Central Asian countries to make the transition to the new and improved 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), an essential health information tool for the classification of medical conditions and disease that allows health professionals across the globe to make and record accurate and swift diagnoses.
WHO/Europe launches caregiver skills training in Kazakhstan to support children with neurodevelopmental delays 05-03-2021
Physical isolation has negatively affected the mental health of many people worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. For children with neurodevelopmental delays and disorders (NDD), as well as their parents who already lived in isolated circumstances, the pandemic has exacerbated their social exclusion and impacted their mental and physical well-being. The need to address the treatment access gap for children with NDD existed long before the pandemic, which let WHO develop a fully-fledged programme, which kicked off when it was needed most.
Inspiring change: women’s leadership in health care is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond 04-03-2021
COVID-19 continues to exacerbate existing inequalities and place a disproportionate burden on women, including in health-care settings. Women health workers are faced with increased workloads, a gender pay gap, shortages of personal protective equipment that fits them, and harassment and violence as they respond to the pandemic on the frontlines.
Avian influenza A(H5N8) infects humans in Russian Federation 02-03-2021
Russian authorities have reported 7 poultry farm workers aged 29 to 60 years infected with the A(H5N8) strain of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. This is the first reported detection of this strain of avian influenza in humans. The human infections occurred on a poultry farm in Astrakhan, Russian Federation, and were reported to WHO by Russian health officials via channels of the International Health Regulations (2005).
Don’t let the COVID-19 crisis become an AMR catastrophe – countries put their weight behind World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020 15-02-2021
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the pressures faced by public health providers, partners in countries across the WHO European Region nonetheless showed great commitment to marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020. Partners and other organizations in Member States conducted a wide range of activities to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), operating within local restrictions and shifting events online to keep participants safe.
Getting resources to projects that matter – how WHO/Europe helped countries raise almost US$ 3 million from the Global Fund 11-02-2021
WHO/Europe is helping Member States to be more successful at securing support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by staging mock reviews of their funding applications. The process has led to 9 countries and territories obtaining approval in principle for just under US$ 3 million of funding to prevent and treat these diseases.
Countries strengthen health supply chains with support from UNICEF and WHO 08-02-2021
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and UNICEF Supply Division have extended their support to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Uzbekistan in optimizing the performance of their supply chains to ensure timely delivery of medicines and health products.
WHO delivers EU-funded medical supplies to Kazakhstan to protect health care workers against COVID-19 01-02-2021
WHO, with financial support from the European Union (EU), delivered over 8 tonnes of medical supplies to Kazakhstan to support the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delivery included personal protective equipment, that is, items such as surgical masks and gowns, as well as laboratory equipment.
New data reveals significant gaps in influenza immunization of those who need it most in Europe 15-12-2020
WHO set a target in 2003 that 75% of elderly people should be vaccinated against influenza each year. The most recent data (2018/2019), published this week on the European Health Information Gateway, reveals that only 1 country out of 28 reporting coverage in the WHO European Region achieved that target – Belarus. More than 60% coverage was achieved by only 4 countries – Ireland, Portugal, Russian Federation and the United Kingdom.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council begin putting memorandum of understanding into action 03-12-2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Secretary General of the Turkic Council Mr Baghdad Amreyev met this week as the organizations work towards establishing a united action plan for health and collaboration.
New WHO report reveals that while smoking continues to decline among European adolescents, the use of electronic cigarettes by young people is on the rise 02-12-2020
Tobacco use among young people in the WHO European Region remains a public health concern. Despite the overall downward trend, several countries of the Region observed an increase in tobacco use prevalence among young people in the latest round of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. While cigarettes remain the most used form of tobacco products, there is a concerning trend emerging from the use of electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes). According to the latest available data, young people are turning to these products at an alarming rate. The new report reveals that in some countries the rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents were much higher than those for conventional cigarettes. In Poland, for example, 15.3% of students smoked cigarettes and 23.4% used electronic cigarettes in 2016.
On the path to better sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents in Kazakhstan 21-10-2020
Despite the high political priority given to the health of women, children and adolescents in Kazakhstan, gaps exist in the delivery of health services to young people, according to a new report from WHO/Europe. The COVID-19 epidemic in the country has accentuated some of these challenges and has pressed health professionals to find new ways of providing much needed health services to adolescents.
WHO assessment shows sexual and reproductive health must be given higher priority to achieve health for all 16-10-2020
WHO country assessments on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health from Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova and Romania show that several areas and interventions are lagging behind on the path to universal health coverage (UHC). Further country assessments are in development for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Greece.
WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council sign a memorandum of understanding strengthening new partnerships in the WHO European Region 16-09-2020
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Mr Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General of the Turkic Council, signed a memorandum of understanding between WHO/Europe and the Turkic Council on 11 September 2020.
In brief: the 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC70) 15-09-2020
For the first time, the WHO Regional Committee for Europe took place virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Among the highlights of this year’s session was the endorsement by Member States of the European Programme of Work (EPW). The EPW sets down a 5-year vision of how WHO/Europe and Member States will work together to meet citizens’ expectations for health.
Altynai Karakhoishiyeva: helping women give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic 21-07-2020
Altynai Karakhoishiyeva has been working as an obstetrician-gynaecologist at the maternity unit in City Maternity Hospital No. 1 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for 15 years. She decided to continue working there when it became an isolation hospital for mothers suspected of having COVID-19.
Introducing new guidelines on the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis 20-07-2020
To build capacity and assist countries in the operationalization of the latest WHO policy guidance on the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB), WHO and its Collaborating Centre for the Introduction of New Drugs and Regimens for the Treatment of M/XDR-TB with the support of the Green Light Committee for the WHO European Region (rGLC/Europe) conducted a training for health professionals.
WHO reaches young, geographically diverse audiences in Russian-speaking countries via social media 18-07-2020
An important aspect of Olga Manukhina’s work involves reaching out to new audiences. As a National Professional Officer for WHO in the Russian Federation, she is also coordinating the Organization’s first official social media account in the country.
WHO addresses European Parliament on COVID-19 response 01-07-2020
On 25 June, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge spoke to the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) about the global response to COVID-19. They highlighted the leadership of the European Union (EU) at this unprecedented time and responded to questions from Members of the European Parliament.
WHO report on health behaviours of 11–15-year-olds in Europe reveals more adolescents are reporting mental health concerns 19-05-2020
In around a third of countries, the report reveals a rise in adolescents feeling pressured by schoolwork and a decline in young people reporting to like school. The report also discloses that over 1 in 10 adolescents report having been cyberbullied at least once in the past two months.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan first stops for new WHO Regional Director for Europe 20-02-2020
Dr Hans Kluge made Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan his first official visit as the new WHO Regional Director for Europe. Meeting with representatives from both Governments as well as UN counterparts and civil society representatives during the five-day visit, he discussed a range of issues and visited polyclinics providing primary health care and treating patients with tuberculosis (TB).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): European Region focusing on readiness 14-02-2020
In response to the detection of the COVID-19 virus in China in December 2019, countries in the WHO European Region have been activating national plans to ensure that health and other systems are not just prepared for but also ready to respond to importation of this new virus. This means that public health officials can rapidly respond to reports of suspect cases and identify contacts at high risk; hospitals have the necessary equipment and guidance to manage cases while protecting health-care staff and other patients from infection; and the public understands the level of risk posed by the virus and how to minimize it.
A new model of primary maternal and newborn care in Kazakhstan 10-02-2020
Kazakhstan is on the way to reforming primary health care. In the context of the Global Conference on Primary Health Care, held in Astana in 2018, the country is building integrated and socially oriented health services at the primary care level. This is also one of key priority areas of the state health development programme “Densaulyk”.
Time for integrated and people-centred services for HIV, TB and viral hepatitis 10-01-2020
The international medical journal, The Lancet, has published an article demonstrating the benefits of integrated and people-centred services in responding to the rise of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis in eastern European and central Asian countries of the WHO European Region.
Kazakhstan: encouraging children and adolescents to develop healthy behaviours 26-12-2019
More than 500 school directors and education and public-health professionals from Kazakhstan participated in WHO’s health promoting schools initiative this year. During a series of capacity-building events in the country’s regions, working groups designated by the schools learned how to conduct a situational analysis using the WHO Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) rapid assessment tool, and how to plan actions based on assessment results and defined priorities.
Assessing and prioritizing hazard risks in Kazakhstan 18-12-2019
To support health emergency response planning in Kazakhstan, WHO trained over 20 emergency professionals in assessing and prioritizing the risks of hazards in the country and in developing contingency plans. A strategic risk assessment tool is used to guide risk-informed programming that will catalyse action to prevent and prepare for hazard risks, and reduce the level of risks associated with a particular hazard and its consequences for health.
Strengthening health-care quality assurance in Belarus: health professionals and policy-makers visit Kazakhstan 10-09-2019
The health-care system in Belarus is renewing its focus on quality of care, revitalized by the strong commitment to the pursuit of universal health coverage in the context of the national Sustainable Development Goals agenda. While making good progress on the development and implementation of a national strategy for quality assurance, Belarus is actively collaborating with WHO on a range of relevant issues, including capacity-building and sharing international evidence and best practices on quality of care. The latest such activity was a study visit to Kazakhstan on 10–12 July 2019.
Central Asian countries to further strengthen tobacco control 16-07-2019
Scaling up political commitment is key to strengthening tobacco control and implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in central Asian countries. Experts from these countries made this scale-up part of their tobacco control plans at the recent Tobacco Control Leadership Programme in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Closing the mental health treatment gap in Central Asia 26-06-2019
Countries in central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are embarking on fundamental mental health system reforms to improve the treatment of mental health conditions for their population. This marks a major a shift in attitude and treatment of mental health conditions in this part of the WHO European Region.
Call for applications to the Small Grants Scheme 29-05-2019
Submissions of application to the Small Grants Scheme for Operational/Implementation Research to Tackle the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance are now open until 15 July 2019.
WHO studies reveal Kazakhstan has among the highest levels of salt intake globally 07-03-2019
Traditional food markets and street vendors throughout central Asian countries play a central role in the region’s cuisine, offering a diverse array of foods ranging from fruits and vegetables to meats, yoghurts and ready-to-eat meals. But recent studies conducted in Kazakhstan identify many of these foods as energy-dense products that are rich in saturated fat, trans fats and salt – too much salt.
Telemedicine in Kazakhstan: smart health services delivery 01-02-2019
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, spanning nearly 3 million square kilometres. Its geographic size means that much of the population lives in rural settings, far from the country’s main medical centres.
New project launched to consolidate sustainable tuberculosis care models in eastern Europe and central Asia 22-01-2019
A new Tuberculosis Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project, referred to as TB-REP 2.0, has been launched. This project for 2019 to 2022, building on the previous TB-REP from 2016 to 2018, will consolidate past achievements and address new and remaining challenges while ensuring continuity. In particular, it will focus on improving tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care outcomes
Commemorating victims of road crashes across the European Region 04-12-2018
On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR), WHO country offices actively engaged with high-level policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), police forces, churches, emergency services and civil society to commemorate the lives lost or irreversibly impacted by road trauma. Across the WHO European Region, they organized activities and events to raise awareness about the preventable deaths of 83 000 people killed each year on the Region’s roads.
Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States supports international measures to stop illicit tobacco trade 04-12-2018
The Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IPA CIS) agreed at its 48th Plenary Session, to support the ratification of the WHO Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products by national parliaments. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the Assembly on 29 November 2018.
Countries of eastern Europe and central Asia improve access to HIV, TB and viral hepatitis diagnostic technologies and medicines 27-11-2018
In 2017, 130 000 people acquired HIV in countries of eastern Europe and central Asia. Since 2010, the number of new infections has increased by 29%, making it the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world.This region also faces the highest levels of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world: 1 in 6 newly diagnosed and 1 in 2 previously treated TB patients are estimated to have MDR-TB. It is also heavily affected by chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and accounts for the largest proportion of HIV-infected people with past or present hepatitis C infections.
Almaty scientific conference explores the crossroads of policy, research, education and practice in primary health care 06-11-2018
Two days prior to the Global Conference on Primary Health Care held in Astana, health professionals, researchers, managers and experts from the WHO European Region gathered in Almaty to explore the multiple facets of primary health care. This scientific conference took stock of achievements during the 4 decades since the Declaration of Alma-Ata and explored linkages between the 4 spheres of policy, research, education and practice in primary health care.
Revitalizing primary health care for the 21st century 01-11-2018
Countries across the WHO European Region played a pivotal role in the Global Conference on Primary Health Care, held in Kazakhstan on 25–26 October 2018. In addition to the adoption of the Declaration of Astana, here are some highlights of activities prior to and during the Conference.
Lancet: further action needed to realise full health potential of European children and adolescents 01-11-2018
A health policy article based on the WHO progress report “Situation of child and adolescent health in Europe” has been published in the Lancet today. The article assesses the situation in the WHO European Region by summarizing national gains and highlighting areas for further action.
Dr Jakab awarded honorary professorship by Kazakh National Medical University 26-10-2018
“Under Dr Jakab’s leadership, Europe has repositioned key topics on the global health agenda, such as migration and health, child abuse and maltreatment, mental health, men’s health, women’s health, evidence-based focus on equity, a life-course approach to health, and of course primary health care and people-centred health systems. In this regard, I would like to thank her for her determination to establish the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care hosted by our university,” said Professor Talgat Nurgozhin, Rector of the Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Primary health care: the time is now 24-10-2018
Forty years since the historic Declaration of Alma-Ata identified primary health care as the key to health for all, world leaders gather this week in Kazakhstan. They will reflect on achievements since 1978 and endorse a new declaration to revitalize primary health care for the 21st century.
Almaty celebrates the official 40th birthday of primary health care 13-09-2018
On 12 September 1978, exactly 40 years ago, the landmark Declaration of Alma-Ata on primary health care was signed at the International Conference on Primary Health Care. The Conference, held in the city of Almaty at the Palace of the Republic, was the first of its kind to commit governments, health and development workers, and the global community to protect and promote the health of the world’s population through a primary health-care approach.
Strengthening the role of journalists in promoting primary health care in the CIS 05-09-2018
To enhance the role of the media in promoting primary health care, WHO data specialists, health economists and researchers delivered a 2-day workshop to 22 journalists and media experts from 5 countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.
New tool to assess primary health care services delivery piloted in Kazakhstan 11-06-2018
A pilot of a new tool, the Primary Health Care Tool for Monitoring Impact, Performance and Capacity (PHC-IMPACT) was conducted in May 2018, in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Medical centre in Kazakhstan demonstrates transformative role of hospitals in integrated, people-centred services 31-05-2018
Kazakhstan’s Medical Centre Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration in Astana is a true testament to the transformative role of hospitals in working towards integrated, people-centred services. Since opening in 1997, the Medical Centre Hospital has worked to achieve international standards of quality and services management, as well as leadership in treatment, diagnostics and rehabilitation for the local community and the country at large.
Seventy-first World Health Assembly comes to a close after charting a new course for WHO 29-05-2018
The Seventy-first World Health Assembly took place on 21–26 May 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. Over the course of the 6 days, delegates charted a new course for the Organization.
Delegates at World Health Assembly agree on new 5-year strategic plan 25-05-2018
World Health Assembly delegates have agreed on an ambitious new strategic plan for the next 5 years. The WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW) is designed to help the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – with a particular focus on SDG3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by 2030.
New report shares findings of the first-ever COSI study in Kazakhstan 08-02-2018
A national report presenting the results of a WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) study in Kazakhstan was recently released. This was the first time the country participated in the study. It found that around 20% of 8- and 9-year-old children were overweight and 6% were obese. In addition, it showed clear differences in prevalence according to gender and place of residence. For example, boys living in urban areas tended to be more overweight or obese than boys living in rural settings.
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to conduct nationwide surveys to study NCD risk factors 30-01-2018
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are preparing to conduct nationwide STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) surveys to study the prevalence and patterns of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors in their populations.
Understanding and addressing the mental health needs of adolescents 26-01-2018
To truly understand the needs of adolescents, it is vital to listen to adolescents themselves. This was a central feature on the agenda of the first ever inter-country meeting and international conference addressing the mental health and well-being of adolescents living in central Asia, which took place on 17–20 January in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan and organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with WHO. Country delegations from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, as well as Kazakhstan, participated in the exchange of knowledge, experiences and plans to better understand and address the mental health needs of adolescents.
Member countries of EVIPNet Europe report on achievements and demonstrate impact of promoting evidence-informed policy-making 12-12-2017
During a workshop organized on the occasion of the 10th European Public Health Conference, 5 member countries of the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe – Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Poland and the Republic of Moldova – presented their activities and achievements in promoting evidence-informed policy-making. The Conference took place on 1–4 November 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Kazakhstan: addressing the challenges of monitoring health services delivery 04-12-2017
Kazakhstan is taking its first steps towards addressing the challenges involved in monitoring health services delivery. On 24 November 2017, teams from Kazakhstan’s Republican Centre for Health Development and Republican E-Health Centre of the Ministry of Health, together with representatives of the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care (WECPHC), attended a practical 1-day workshop to plan the process of pre-testing indicators for monitoring health services delivery as part of the implementation of the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery.
Health Promoting Schools pilot project in Kazakhstan assessed 15-11-2017
On 24–25 October 2017, at a meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, the WHO Country Office, together with WHO Europe and the Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) network, carried out the final activities of the Health Promoting Schools (HPS) pilot project.
WHO/Europe takes steps for better regulation of medical devices in the Region 04-11-2017
To start applying new WHO global guiding principles for the regulation of medical devices in the WHO European Region, WHO/Europe organized a 3-day workshop in Yerevan, Armenia, on 3–5 October 2017.
Training supports transformation of health systems to end TB 03-11-2017
WHO/Europe organized the second WHO Barcelona course on health systems strengthening for improved tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care in order to support the transformation of the financing and delivery of TB services in the WHO European Region.
WHO promotes intersectoral collaboration for better health in CIS countries 01-11-2017
On 10 October 2017, the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation hosted a roundtable discussion on intersectoral collaboration for improved public health outcomes in countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The focus was on implementing essential public health operations (EPHOs) towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO/Europe trains its workforce to prepare for and respond to emergencies 11-10-2017
To enhance WHO country support in times of crisis, over 30 WHO staff have improved their skills in readiness for multi-hazard emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts, and chemical and radiation exposure by undertaking specifically designed training. This training supports the work of the recently established WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) to increase country and staff capacity. WHE’s overarching objective is to effectively and efficiently address the full cycle of health emergencies (prevention, preparedness, readiness, response and recovery).
Strengthening of health services delivery monitoring in the Region 06-10-2017
Teams from the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD Office), based in Moscow, Russian Federation, and the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care (WECPHC), based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, met in Moscow in September to share experiences and brainstorm ways to enhance the monitoring of health services delivery in the WHO European Region. The collaboration between the 2 offices aims to strengthen availability of data for policy, planning and research on services delivery across the Region, while capitalizing on existing surveillance infrastructure and expertise.
Study visit to Croatia and Slovenia for a group of high-level public health workers from Kazakhstan 26-09-2017
Six participants from national and regional public health services in Kazakhstan took part in a series of meetings on 10–14 July 2017 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Zagreb, Croatia. All are working on reforms related to Kazakhstan’s development of integrated public health services.
Tuberculosis epidemiological review in Kazakhstan 19-09-2017
Kazakhstan is one of the countries in the WHO European Region that has identified fighting tuberculosis (TB) as a key health priority; it is among the 30 countries worldwide with the highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
The Ashgabat Statement: Europe commits to staying malaria free 04-09-2017
The WHO European Region is marking an important step on the road from malaria control to malaria elimination, and then on to maintaining malaria-free status, with the launch of The Ashgabat Statement: Preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission in the WHO European Region. The Statement is being formally presented on 4 September in Moscow, Russian Federation.
Transforming primary care services in Kazakhstan 01-09-2017
Kazakhstan is on track to achieve the global target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025. Currently, however, it has one of the highest rates of premature mortality in the WHO European Region. In 2013, the main causes of years of life lost due to premature death in Kazakhstan were ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and self-harm. Dietary risks, high systolic blood pressure and high body mass index are the highest ranked risk factors for disease burden, measured in disability-adjusted life years.
Designing integrated health services: health professionals from Kazakhstan visit two pioneer regions in Europe 11-08-2017
Kazakhstan has a dedicated centre leading efforts to develop eHealth, including linking more than 20 databases into a single operational platform. Twelve health policy-makers from Kazakhstan visited the pioneer regions of Veneto (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain) to learn about the potential of using individual and population-wide databases to design integrated health services.
Kazakhstan intensifies policy actions to respond to noncommunicable diseases 09-08-2017
Health officials from regional health institutions and public health councils in Kazakhstan met with senior managers from arm’s-length institutions in a 1-day workshop in Astana. The workshop took place in the context of policy and institutional reforms working to instil a population health management approach for public health services. Led by the Minister of Health, Dr Yelzhan Birtanov, the workshop drew upon results of a health system assessment conducted by WHO/Europe in 2016, focusing on strengthening the system’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Kick-off meeting of network on pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies in the CIS 18-07-2017
WHO/Europe and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies in Vienna, Austria, hosted the first meeting of the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) network for countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The CIS PPRI will allow representatives of CIS countries to share common challenges in enhancing financial access to medicines.
Accelerating implementation of the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery 04-07-2017
Integrating primary care with public health, social and hospital care is crucial to putting people at the centre of health-care systems. Organizing services to tackle acute and chronic care needs while putting people first can mean, for example, that primary care providers receive support from hospitals that play a more active role in the communities they serve, including in handling life-threatening conditions.
Countries mark World No Tobacco Day with outreach to all levels of society and across sectors 30-06-2017
Many countries took the opportunity of World No Tobacco Day to plan media events and press conferences in cooperation with national authorities and political figures, including ministers of health and parliamentarians. These events, some of which took place in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan, led to significant national media coverage across print, television and online media outlets.
Improving communication between practitioners and patients in Kyzylorda and Mangystau 27-06-2017
Effective communication with patients is important as a vehicle for ensuring high-quality health services. Not only is patient communication important for improving patients’ satisfaction with services, but it is also important for improving health outcomes by improving adherence to care plans and treatments and gathering relevant health information that can help practitioners in providing people-centred care. This responsibility lies with all practitioners and other personnel.
Central Asian countries strengthen readiness for future emergencies 21-06-2017
Twenty-three health professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were trained on management and coordination of large-scale emergencies that require a response from medical teams. This is the first Emergency Medical Team (EMT) training for this part of the WHO European Region and took place in Astana, Kazakhstan on 16–17 May 2017.
World No Tobacco Day 2017 awards: winners from the WHO European Region 30-05-2017
Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of its 6 regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This year, the World No Tobacco Day award winners from the European Region are as follows.
World Health Assembly Day 5 & 6: delegates discuss International Health Regulations, human resources 29-05-2017
Decisions taken by delegates at the World Health Assembly focused on implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. Delegates emphasized the urgent need to achieve full implementation of the IHR. Public health prizes were also awarded.
World Health Assembly Day 3: WHO priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 26-05-2017
Delegates at the World Health Assembly approved the Organization’s proposed programme budget of US$4421.5 million for the biennium 2018-2019. This proposed budget sets out the Organization’s priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes increased investments in the new WHO Health Emergencies Programme and combatting antimicrobial resistance.
Keeping fit as 12 000 runners race for health and well-being in the 2017 Almaty Marathon 27-04-2017
On 23 April 2017, the City of Almaty – a new member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network – took to the streets, with over 12 000 runners participating in the city’s sixth annual marathon. This initiative is well aligned with Kazakhstan’s ‘Densaulyk’ state programme, which prioritizes an enabling environment for the preservation and promotion of health. The marathon also resonates with the vision of a primary health care approach detailed in the Declaration of Alma-Ata, signed in Almaty in 1978, which calls for proactive approaches to health promotion and disease prevention through local action and community engagement.
Newly independent states: Potential health impact of strong tobacco control policies 25-04-2017
WHO has developed a series of fact sheets for the 11 newly independent states (NIS). The fact sheets clearly demonstrate the positive health impact of strong tobacco control policies consistent with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Focusing on quality of care to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in the European Region 25-04-2017
The WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care (WECPHC) of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health hosted a first brainstorming, review and planning exercise for rejuvenating quality of care in the context of the SDG agenda on 3–6 April. Country delegations from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine, experts and WHO staff participated.
Joint WHO–IAEA mission to improve cancer control in Kazakhstan 20-01-2017
The country visit took place on 12–19 November 2016. Guided by professionals from the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology, 10 international experts – one of the largest WHO–IAEA teams ever assembled – visited Kazakh facilities and met professionals from Almaty, Astana, Aktobe and Karaganda. They shared their preliminary assessment with the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s executive team at the end of the mission.
Improving cancer registries in CIS countries – Kyrgyzstan hosts a Basic Cancer Registration Course co-organized by WHO/Europe and WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer 15-12-2016
Population-based cancer registries are needed for quantifying the burden of cancer and assessing national prevention and control programmes. Well trained cancer registry staff play a crucial role in ensuring good-quality data and adequate data analysis, interpretation and dissemination. WHO/Europe and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) with its Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development programme have collaborated to develop and improve capacity for cancer registration in the WHO European Region, particularly in countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Innovative approaches to integrated primary health care conference in Kazakhstan 15-12-2016
On 7 December 2016, a national conference took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to reflect on possible organizational models of primary health care (PHC) in the country. The event also served as a platform to discuss lessons emerged from implementing innovative approaches to strengthening PHC in the WHO European Region, and to showcase first-hand experience in Kazakhstan.
Lectures for public health students to strengthen integration of primary care in Almaty 21-11-2016
On November 17th, the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care in Almaty, Kazakhstan, launched the first of a series of lectures aimed at strengthening the links between public health and primary care. The Centre intends to equip doctorate and master students of the Kazakhstan School of Public Health - KSPH, in Almaty, with a global health perspective to population-based interventions and how these complement individual services before their placement in key positions across the country.
Strengthening national tobacco cessation and treatment systems 08-11-2016
On 17-21 October 2016 policy-makers from 12 newly independent states (NIS) participated in a tobacco cessation workshop in Moscow to improve their skills in strengthening national tobacco cessation and treatment systems in accordance with the Guidelines for implementation of Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
New WHO Barcelona course focuses on strengthening health systems for improved TB prevention and care 01-11-2016
The WHO Regional Office for Europe held the first WHO Barcelona course on health systems strengthening for improved tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care from 13 to 19 October 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.
Road safety and Healthy Cities application discussed at the policy dialogue in Almaty 27-10-2016
A policy dialogue on road safety was hosted by the WHO/Europe and the city of Almaty on 20 October 2016. The purpose of the dialogue was to discuss practical measures to reduce the injuries and deaths due to road crashes in Kazakhstan, and in Almaty in particular. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in children over the age of 5 years in Kazakhstan, which also has the highest death per 100,000 population (24.2) of the 52 European countries that were mentioned in the WHO Global status report on road safety 2015.
Enhancing people-centred health services through strategic facility planning in the region of Kyzylorda Kazakhstan 19-10-2016
Strategic planning of health facilities that applies a people-centred approach can mitigate the effect of noncommunicable and environment-driven diseases.
Kazakhstan is the first Russian-speaking Member State nominated as Coordinator of Codex Coordinating Committee for Europe 11-10-2016
The 30th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Europe (CCEURO) was successfully held on 3-7 October 2016 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The session, which was the first CCEURO session ever to be held in Central Asia, was chaired by the current Coordinator the Netherlands and hosted and co-chaired by Kazakhstan. The Session was attended by 35 Member countries, 1 Member Organization (European Union), 1 Observer country (USA) and 1 Observer organization (OIE).
Preparing for Disaster – hospital safety index training takes place in Kazakhstan 05-10-2016
Early investments in hospital safety and resilience increase the chances that hospitals would function at full capacity during and after emergencies.
Six influenza specialists from WHO European Region were supported by WHO to participate in the ‘Options IX for the Control of Influenza’ conference 30-09-2016
Every 3 years, the International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases holds the largest international conference on influenza prevention, control and treatment, including seasonal influenza and pandemic preparedness. The Options IX for the Control of Influenza Conference was held on 24–28 August 2016 in Chicago, United States of America and included many international influenza specialists.
Simulation exercise increases polio-outbreak preparedness in Europe 29-09-2016
A subregional polio-outbreak simulation exercise (POSE) held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 24-26 August 2016 allowed Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to critically review their national plans for responding to the detection of wild polioviruses and vaccine-derived polioviruses in line with new standard operating procedures (SOP) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Improving population’s health management through strategic facility planning in the region of Mangystau, Kazakhstan 29-09-2016
During a hands-on training from 1 to 2 September in Aktau, Mangystau region, Oblast Health Department officials and local health facilities directors and managers discussed and practised seven areas for strategically guiding the work of their health facilities. The workshop was organized by the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care in Almaty.
WHO/Europe steps up efforts to strengthen capacity in NCD prevention and control in central Asia and eastern Europe 17-08-2016
From 18 to 23 April 2016, the Higher School of Health Administration of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University hosted the second Moscow training course on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the countries of central Asia and eastern Europe.
Increasing information on noncommunicable disease risk factors in the Region 16-08-2016
In general, noncommunicable disease (NCD) mortality and morbidity data can be obtained from vital registration systems in WHO European Member States. However, information on risk factors is less frequently available, prompting for alternative data sources to provide this information.
Countries commit to keep Europe malaria-free 15-08-2016
Countries in the WHO European Region at risk of malaria reintroduction – the same countries that signed the 2005 Tashkent Declaration – have reaffirmed their commitment to keep the Region malaria-free.
WHO conducts infectious substances shipping training for national influenza centres from 19 countries 15-06-2016
24 specialists from 19 countries achieved certification after attending WHO's infectious substances shippers training (ISST) in Tbilisi, Georgia on 2–4 May 2016.
WHO environment and health meeting on the economic costs of asbestos 07-06-2016
On 18 and 19 May 2016, Bonn, Germany hosted the WHO international meeting on the economic health costs and impacts that the past and present use of asbestos has on society. Participants were representatives of 13 countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkmenistan and Ukraine – and experts from international organizations and research institutes.
Intercountry high-level meeting on health systems strengthening for enhanced tuberculosis prevention and care: Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project 17-05-2016
On 26–28 April 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark, a high-level meeting was held to discuss and catalyse implementation of the Tuberculosis Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project (TB-REP) funded by the Global Fund.
International Health Regulations Forum in Austria 18-04-2016
The International Health Regulations (IHR) Forum was held on 14–18 March 2016 in Stadtschlaining, Austria, to train national experts using and implementing the IHR in their countries, and to strengthen the expert network in the WHO European Region.
10 countries participate in subregional consultation on antimicrobial consumption 22-02-2016
In the framework of WHO/Europe's Antimicrobial Medicines Consumption Network, a subregional consultation for Russian-speaking countries took place in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova on 17–18 February 2016.
Report now available - First multicountry workshop on evidence briefs for policy in Central Asia (EVIPNet) 10-02-2016
In 2015 EVIPNet Europe organized its first capacity-building workshop with simultaneous use of English and Russian for several countries in Central Asia: the report of the workshop is now available.
10 countries in central Asia and Caucasus better equipped to communicate risks in health crisis 08-01-2016
50 senior health officials from 10 countries in central Asia and the Caucasus received intense training on emergency risk communications in health crises on 8–10 December 2015 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Better wheelchair service provision in Tajikistan 07-01-2016
Tajikistan's Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in cooperation with the WHO disability rehabilitation team and Mobility India, and with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted basic training in wheelchair services in December 2015. 42 participants from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan learnt how to correctly fit, modify and adapt wheelchairs for various users; to service wheelchairs; and to train users in using their new chairs.
Subregional intersectoral training for the central Asian republics on antimicrobial resistance from a food safety perspective 11-12-2015
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health problem that is receiving increasing attention worldwide. Any kind of antibiotic use in people, animals or plants can promote the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
Third workshop of the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) 05-11-2015
From 19–26 September 2015, the third workshop of the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) central Asia course was conducted in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The course was led by WHO/Europe with support from the WHO Country Office, Kazakhstan.
9 countries in south-eastern Europe and central Asia improve skills to manage public health emergencies 12-10-2015
32 senior government officials in south-eastern Europe and central Asia are better prepared to manage health emergencies following their participation in the Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) training course organized by WHO/Europe in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova on 28 September–2 October 2015.
US$ 6 million grant to boost TB control in eastern European and central Asian countries 16-09-2015
Yesterday morning, a new US$6 million grant agreement was signed between the Global Fund and the Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS Center), a nongovernmental organization based in the Republic of Moldova, as the principal recipient of a regional grant to boost tuberculosis (TB) control in the subregion. The grant agreement, supported by WHO/Europe, covers 11 eastern European and central Asian WHO Member States and the Global Fund. It starts in January 2016 and will run for 3 years.
Advanced Health Information Workshop in the Russian Federation 13-08-2015
The Advanced Health Information Workshop took place on 29 June–3 July 2015 in UN House, Moscow, Russian Federation.
Second international workshop on implementation of the European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity in CIS 07-08-2015
A workshop to strengthen public health leadership in implementing the European Action Plan on Strengthening Public Health Capacities and Services in the context of Health 2020, WHO/Europe's policy framework, took place on 28 and 29 July 2015 in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Subregional training course for the central Asian republics on public health leadership 30-06-2015
WHO/Europe organized a subregional training course on public health leadership for the central Asian republics on 15–18 June 2015 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Global Adult Tobacco Survey results launched in Astana, Kazakhstan 12-06-2015
Results of a national Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in Kazakhstan in 2014 were presented on 29 May 2015.
CARINFONET sets standard for subregional health information networks 10-06-2015
A detailed workplan for the coming years, an initial draft set of common indicators for reporting at sub-national level and a decision to establish an indicator working group were 3 welcome developments from the latest meeting of the CARINFONET (Central Asian Republics Information Network) Steering Group.
World Health Day 2015: countries across Europe promote food safety 20-05-2015
World Health Day 2015 was an opportunity to recognize the important food safety role of all involved in food production, and to strengthen collaboration and coordination between these different areas to prevent, detect and respond to foodborne diseases.
Towards a malaria-free European Region by the end of 2015 24-04-2015
The number of malaria cases in the WHO European Region has dropped dramatically. Cases reported locally have declined from above 90 000 in 1995 to only two reported in Tajikistan in 2014. Statistics indicate, however, that about 5000 cases were imported into the Region in 2014, and the threat of reintroducing the disease remains. The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by the end of this year.
WHO/Europe supports countries to ensure vaccine safety and public confidence in immunization programmes 17-03-2015
At the request of Member States, WHO assists in the investigation and response to adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) through a variety of actions, including case investigation, communication and media relations capacity building, response to media inquiries and in some cases development of a social mobilization strategy for the resumption of an immunization campaign. Challenges of misinterpreted events following vaccination are not unusual during a mass immunization campaign. This was demonstrated most recently in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan: transformations to place people at the centre of health services 04-03-2015
Kazakhstan has embarked on a long-term reform process to strengthen its health system and tackle the challenges the country is facing related to the rise of NCDs, the geographical and socio-demographic health inequalities, and the organizational barriers within the health system, to name but a few.
WHO opens office on primary health care in Kazakhstan 11-02-2015
WHO officially inaugurated a new centre for excellence in primary health care in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 11 February 2015. The centre will ensure that WHO/Europe is best equipped to support countries in revitalizing primary health care.
WHO Regional Director for Europe arrives in Kazakhstan on four-day official visit 10-02-2015
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, is on a four-day official visit to Kazakhstan. The highlight of the visit is the opening of the WHO Office on Primary Health Care in Almaty.
Addressing inequities through responsive health services in Kazakhstan 18-01-2015
The Government of Kazakhstan approached WHO and other United Nations agencies to support the development of regional policies that are responsive to the population’s needs, with a primary health care approach that includes intersectoral actions. A multidisciplinary WHO team visited Mangystau on 10-17 December 2014 and, jointly with the local counterparts, developed an action plan based on a rapid assessment of health needs.
Working together for health and health equity goals 03-12-2014
On 27-28 November 2014, representatives from 8 countries in the WHO European Region met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to share their policy experiences and the key lessons learned from the design and implementation of cross sectoral approaches to improve health and well-being. The meeting’s format provided a platform to discuss health policy developments that recognize the Health 2020 strategic objectives of reducing inequalities and better governance, using social determinants and equity perspectives.
Experts gather to debate child injury prevention 11-11-2014
Injury is the leading cause of childhood death in Kazakhstan. Responding to concern about the high rate of childhood injury, 28 stakeholders debated possible ways to reduce this burden at a meeting called by WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Development on 30 October 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
MDR-TB prevention and control in eastern Europe addressed at World Conference on Lung Health 04-11-2014
International public health experts and TB specialists reviewed the progress and challenges of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) prevention and control in eastern Europe at a WHO-led workshop at the 45th World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona, Spain on 29 October 2014.
Regional training on malaria vectors and vector control methods 17-10-2014
A regional WHO training course on taxonomy, morphology, biology and ecology of malaria vectors and vector control methods was organized in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 22 September to 2 October 2014 by WHO and the Tajik Ministry of Health.
Integrating mental health services in primary health care in the central Asian republics 04-09-2014
To support implementation of the WHO European Mental Health Action Plan, the second in a series of WHO-led workshops on mental health services development in the central Asian republics and the Russian Federation took place in Astana, Kazakhstan on 21 August 2014.
Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) in eastern Europe and central Asia 11-07-2014
In line with The Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the WHO European Region, 2011–2015, WHO/Europe together with TDR has been leading the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) in eastern Europe and Central Asia in collaboration with MSF, Union, KNCV and CDC. The project aims to build the capacity of TB programmes to perform operational research in order to inform policy and practice and improve TB control. This training course comprises three workshops, inter-workshop mentorship and support by international experts, and an operational research project led by the participant.
Central Asian countries launch unique health information network 09-07-2014
More than 30 delegates, representing the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, national and international partner organizations, WHO staff and external experts, gathered on 3-4 July 2014 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Together they have established the new Central Asian Republics Information Network (CARINFONET), supported by WHO/Europe, which will be ready for rollout in 2015.
Conference on the role of evidence-based medicine in health care and medical education 20-06-2014
On 7 May 2014, the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan supported the Tajik State Medical University and the Evidence-Based Medicine Center in conducting a conference on the role of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in improving health care quality and enhancing medical education.
Did you know that pneumonia, hypertension and many other conditions can be effectively treated by your family doctor? 23-05-2014
These and other conditions like diabetes, influenza and asthma are each examples of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) – those health conditions where appropriate care can prevent or reduce the need for hospital admissions – analyzed by representatives of the Ministry of Health, high-level policy-makers and health care providers from across Kazakhstan as part of ongoing national health service delivery strengthening exercises.
Kazakhstan to host new WHO office on primary health care 22-05-2014
Kazakhstan today signed an agreement with WHO to host a new geographically dispersed office of WHO on primary health care in Almaty.
Establishment of the new Centre for Primary Health Care is closer: a roadmap for its opening discussed at the recent WHO mission to Kazakhstan 31-03-2014
Final steps were taken towards the opening of the new WHO Centre for Primary Health Care (PHC) in Almaty during a recent WHO mission to Kazakhstan on 26-28 March 2014. The mission aimed to agree with the Kazakh Government on the last details for the operations of this centre of excellence in services delivery based on a primary health care approach.
Building capacity to respond to vaccine safety concerns 16-03-2014
To build capacity in responding to real or perceived vaccine-related events, the first in a series of multi-country training workshops on vaccine safety event management and communications was held on 24–28 February 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan embarks on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 21-02-2014
Kazakhstan will be the 7th country in the WHO European Region to conduct the relatively new initiative - the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). On 10-15 February 2014, the GATS team in Kazakhstan led a training of their fieldworkers and supervisors regarding the survey protocol and administering the survey by electronic data collection on IPAQ handhelds.
31% of adults 15 years and older smoke in Almaty, Kazakhstan 12-12-2013
A tobacco adult survey was conducted in Almaty, Kazakhstan during July to November 2013, as part of the city programme ““Smokefree Almaty”, sponsored by department of internal policy of Almaty akimat (Mayor). This survey was done in parallel to another study in Almaty called the “Secret Visitor”, where observations were made on the compliance of current tobacco control policies, such as smoke-free environments in public places.
Training improves European laboratories’ capacity to detect influenza 10-12-2013
As part of work to strengthen capacities for influenza diagnosis and surveillance in the WHO European Region, WHO/Europe conducted the annual training for laboratory staff on influenza virology in St Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 25–29 November 2013.
Celebrating 35 years of commitment to primary health care in the WHO European Region 19-11-2013
Highlighting a 3-day visit to Kazakhstan, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the International conference to mark the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Aty on Primary Health Care, which took place in Almaty on 6-7 November 2013.
Policy dialogue on road safety in Kazakhstan 30-10-2013
With technical support from WHO/Europe, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan is working to address various causes of accidental and intentional injury. As part of these efforts a policy dialogue on road safety and a train-the-trainer course on prevention of violence and injuries were held in September 2013.
Bi-regional multi-country expert workshop to strengthen the capacity requirements for the International Health Regulations at ground crossings 09-10-2013
World Health Assembly, day 2: General Programme of Work for next 6 years approved 23-05-2013
The World Health Assembly approved a resolution on the General Programme of Work and changes to the financial regulations and rules on 21 May 2013.
WHO/Europe and the Eurasian Economic Community sign agreement 14-12-2012
On 10 December 2012, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Murat Musataev, Deputy Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), signed an agreement to cooperate on health issues.
Regional Director reviews development of Kazakhstan’s health system 21-11-2012
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met with Dr Salidat Kairbekova, Minister of Health, and other senior members of the Government during an official visit to Kazakhstan on 14–15 November 2012. Her main purpose was to discuss health system reform, as well as progress made in implementing the national health strategy for 2012–2020 with the Ministry of Health and development partners.
Meeting in Kazakhstan highlights the importance of regional initiatives to strengthen laboratory biosafety and quality 30-10-2012
The 4th Annual conference of the Biosafety Association for central Asia and the Caucasus (BACAC) was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 18-20 September 2012. It was organized in cooperation with the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC), with support from the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, the U.S. Defense Threat Redaction Agency and the European Commission
Extreme weather affects health in Kazakhstan: final results of WHO pilot project 18-10-2012
A four-year pilot project, conducted by WHO/Europe and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), found that climate change is already a reality in Kazakhstan, as more frequent and intense extreme weather events affect people’s health and the economy.
WHO training on shipping infectious substances held in Kazakhstan 26-09-2012
The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe conducted a two-day Infectious Substances Shipping Training (ISST) course in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 6-7 September 2012.
Press conference draws attention to low tobacco taxation in Kazahstan 24-07-2012
Low tobacco taxation in Kazakhstan was highlighted at a special press conference held in Astana on 31 May 2012 to mark World No Tobacco Day.
Newly independent states aim to reduce noncommunicable diseases 13-07-2012
11 of the newly independent states (NIS) recently came together to map their health systems’ ability to tackle noncommunicable diseases. They identified common challenges and possible joint actions to develop a subregional initiative.
Review of the national tuberculosis programme in Kazakhstan 09-07-2012
At the request of the Minister of Health of Kazakhstan, the WHO/Europe tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant TB (M/XDR-TB) programme conducted an extensive review of TB prevention, control and care in Kazakhstan from 9 to 18 May 2012.
Blood Donor Day: heroes in Kazakhstan 06-07-2012
On 14 June 2012, World Blood Donor Day, organizations in Kazakhstan joined to promote voluntary blood donation. The country aims to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation before 2020 (the WHO goal set for reaching this target).
WHO mission to review influenza surveillance in Kazakhstan 26-06-2012
Influenza surveillance and the use of collected data to inform influenza prevention and control measures were the focus of a recent WHO mission to Kazakhstan conducted from 30 May to 7 June 2012.
Policy dialogue on public health services strengthening for improved NCD prevention and control, Astana, Kazakhstan, 27-29 June 2012 25-06-2012
WHO/Europe is organizing a policy dialogue on public health services strengthening for improved noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 28-29 June 2012, for the Newly Independent States (NIS). This policy dialogue is a unique opportunity for Ministries of Health to discuss the state of the art on health systems for NCDs, and more specifically the implementation of the Essential Public Health Operations (EPHO) endorsed by the European Ministers of Health at the Regional Committee in Baku, Azerbaijan, September 2011.
Central Asia in the spotlight: growing HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs 19-06-2012
In the WHO European Region, people who inject drugs are particularly at risk of being infected with HIV. Concern is increasing in five central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), where more than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections occur among such people. This is the focus of the first meeting organized by WHO/Europe to address HIV prevention in this group in the central Asian republics.
World Health Assembly, day 2: resolution on noncommunicable diseases approved 24-05-2012
A resolution on strengthening noncommunicable disease policies to promote active ageing was approved by countries on the second day of WHO’s global annual meeting.
Eliminating malaria from Europe by 2015: realistic and attainable 25-04-2012
Intensive anti-malaria interventions have cut the number of reported autochthonous malaria cases in the WHO European Region from 90 712 in 1995 to 102 in 2011. World Malaria Day is 25 April.
Kazakhstan acknowledged by WHO as malaria-free 04-04-2012
On 20 March 2012, Kazakhstan was officially acknowledged by WHO to be malaria-free.
Kazakstan's health system 29-03-2012
The new HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for Kazakhstan has just been released. Since becoming independent, Kazakhstan has undertaken major efforts in reforming its health system. Two comprehensive reform programmes have been developed in the last decade, and there has been progress on promoting evidence-based medicine and developing and introducing new clinical practice guidelines, as well as facility-level quality improvements. However, as this publication shows, key aspects of health system performance are still in need of improvement. A key challenge is regional inequities in health financing, health care utilization and health outcomes, although some improvements have been achieved in recent years.
Kazakhstan national measles and rubella reference laboratory assessed by WHO expert 13-12-2011
Dr Mick Mulders from WHO/Europe's Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization programme conducted an on-site accreditation review of the national reference laboratory of Kazakhstan at the Scientific and Practical Centre for Sanitary Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring located in Almaty between 28 and 30 November 2011.
Regional Director addresses the Third Islamic Conference of Ministers of Health 29-09-2011
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addresses ministers at the Third Islamic Conference of Ministers of Health of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, taking place on 29 September to 1 October 2011, in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Protecting health from climate change in Kazakhstan 28-09-2011
On 20 September 2011, WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan convened a working group meeting for the joint project: Protecting Health from Climate Change in Kazakhstan.
WHO/Europe highlights the health dimension at the ‘Environment for Europe’ Conference 21-09-2011
With side events and exhibitions, WHO will keep the spotlight on health at the forthcoming Seventh "Environment for Europe" Ministerial Conference, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 21-23 September 2011. The Conference main themes are sustainable management of water and water-related ecosystems, and greening the economy: mainstreaming the environment into economic development. Both themes belong to long-standing areas of collaboration between WHO/Europe and UNECE, as part of the European Environment and Health Process and of the implementation of the Parma Ministerial Declaration on environment and health.
Kazakhstan holds the Third Islamic Conference of Ministers of Health 20-09-2011
The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan is hosting the Third Islamic Conference of Ministers of Health in Astana on 29 September – 1 October 2011.
Effective action from countries and partners ensures European Region retains polio-free status 25-08-2011
The European Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) announced yesterday that Europe will retain its polio-free status after the importation of wild poliovirus type 1 in 2010.
Better child and maternal health in Kazakhstan 24-08-2011
One third of infant deaths in Kazakhstan could be avoided using simple tools and techniques. WHO/Europe has successfully piloted a maternal and child health project in three regions.
Entre Nous special issue focussing on maternal and child health in Kazakhstan 11-07-2011
Issue No 74 of Entre Nous, “Improvement of maternal and child health in Kazakhstan” describes how politicians, managers and clinicians, supported by WHO and the European Union, have begun to transform out-of-date practice by introducing evidence-based care.
WHO Epidemiological Brief 14: Measles outbreaks and importation of wild poliovirus in the European Region 16-05-2011
During 2011, measles outbreaks continue to occur in many Member States in the WHO European Region. As of 6 May, 38 countries had reported a total of 7028 confirmed cases. In August 2011, the European Regional Certification Committee for Poliomyelitis Eradication will review the outbreak response and status of poliomyelitis (polio) eradication in the Region.The central Asian republics, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation are synchronizing rounds of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV) during April and May 2011.
Workshop on implementation of the International Health Regulations in central Asian republics and Kazakhstan 28-04-2011
On 12-16 April 2011 a workshop on the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) in central Asian republics and Kazakhstan was conducted in Tashkent by WHO/Europe with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHO and the EU commend the work of the National Mother and Child Health Centre in Astana 12-04-2011
WHO and the European Union will present the commemorative plaque to the National Mother and Child Health Centre for the contribution on improving maternal and child health in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan takes important step to adopt pictorial health warnings 07-04-2011
On 31 March, the Senate of Kazakhstan voted for the use of pictorial health warnings on all tobacco products. As a party to the WHO FCTC, Kazakhstan has pledged, through Article 11 (and Guidelines), that it would implement a range of measures, including adopting strong health warnings on tobacco products. Final approval is pending approval by the President within the next two months.
Acting Heads of Country Offices 05-04-2011
As of 4 April, Dr Melita Vujnovic is the new Acting Head of WHO Country Office, Kazakhstan.
Response to polio outbreak commended 01-02-2011
The European Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) commended countries’ actions to stop poliovirus transmission after a large outbreak in Tajikistan in 2010. Meeting in St Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 26–27 January 2011, the RCC added that long-term structural and system issues need to be addressed.
Polio immunization campaign under way in Kazakhstan 09-09-2010
1.8 million Kazakh children are to be vaccinated in a series of national immunization days this week. Dr Zhaksylyk Doskaliev, Minister of Health of Kazakhstan, launched the campaign on Monday, 6 September, targeting children aged up to 6 years.
Celebrating World Blood Donor Day 2010 in Kazakhstan: New blood for the world 14-06-2010
Participants in the blood donor promotion campaign "Become a donor today! Give hope to sick children for tomorrow!" donated 43 litres of blood.
The Astana Medical University received a grant for research in diseases of poverty 20-04-2010
The Astana Medical University has received a TDR grant for research in diseases of poverty from WHO headquarters. As a result, a WHO team visited Astana from 29 March to 2 April 2010, to launch a programme for regional training centres in health research.