Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, with support from the EFSD and WHO, implements measures to support maternal and child health
With support from the EFSD, health care workers in obstetrics, child health, and primary health care organizations will receive training in breastfeeding fundamentals, and health care facilities will be qualified for Baby-Friendly Hospital status.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, with support from the EFSD and WHO, implements measures to support maternal and child health
With support from the EFSD, health care workers in obstetrics, child health, and primary health care organizations will receive training in breastfeeding fundamentals, and health care facilities will be qualified for Baby-Friendly Hospital status.
Astana, 2 June 2025. As part of its National Program for Maternal and Child Health Protection, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health has launched a new phase of comprehensive measures to improve maternal and child health, with support from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD, the Fund) and the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan.
The program is aimed at strengthening the maternal and child health care system, enhancing the qualifications of medical personnel, and implementing international standards for breastfeeding support. These standards are based on extensive research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and seek to foster an environment in health care facilities that promotes timely and sustained breastfeeding.
The project will organize workshops for 400 health care professionals—including doctors, midwives, and nurses—who care for pregnant women, mothers, infants, and young children in maternity hospitals and primary health care facilities across all regions of Kazakhstan. In addition, 50 health facilities are slated for evaluation for Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFH) status, in accordance with WHO/UNICEF guidelines.
All the measures outlined in the national program will be implemented over a two-year period through the Neonatology Department at Astana Medical University.
“Supporting socially significant projects is one of the EFSD’s top priorities. We firmly believe that investing in maternal and child health contributes to the sustainable development of both the health system and society at large. Together with our partners, we strive to apply the best international practices to improve living standards,” said Armen Poghosyan, Director of the ESFD Infrastructure and Social Finance Department.
“Breastfeeding is not only the most natural way to nourish an infant—it is also the most critical foundation for a baby’s health and development. It reduces the risk of infections, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a close bond between mother and child. Supporting breastfeeding is a top priority for us, both within the health care system and as part of public health policy,” said Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Health.
“Improving maternal and child health is a key priority for WHO, rooted in a human rights-based approach and closely tied to advancing universal health coverage. WHO advocates for health planning that centers women’s values and preferences in care delivery. Genuine engagement and empowerment of women, families, communities, and health workers are essential for improving the quality of care,” said Skender Sylla, Head of the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan.
Additional Information:
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is global initiative by WHO and UNICEF aimed at improving conditions in health care facilities that support breastfeeding and care for mothers and newborns. Facilities that meet established criteria and standards receive Baby-Friendly Hospital status, demonstrating their commitment to a breastfeeding-supportive environment and high-quality medical care. This status is granted by an authorized national commission following an evaluation and certification process, confirming the facility’s high quality of medical services and its readiness to provide expert support to mothers and children.
The Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) is a regional financing arrangement totaling over US $9 billion, established in 2009 by the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Tajikistan. The EFSD aims to promote economic and financial stability in its member states and support their sustainable development.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote global health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. WHO is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.