Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry Reports Decline in 39 Infections
Kazakhstan Sees Decline in Incidence of Measles and Other Infections
The Health Minister of Kazakhstan, Azhar Giniyat, announced at a government meeting on January 9th that the country has witnessed a decline in the incidence of 39 infections, including Covid-19, rotavirus, and acute intestinal infections. This is a positive development in the country’s efforts to combat the spread of infectious diseases.
In particular, Giniyat highlighted the decrease in measles cases, with the country registering more than 29,000 cases at the end of 2023, 80% of which occurred in children under 14 years of age. Since January 1st, 1,674 cases of measles have been detected. To address this, nearly 700,000 children under the age of six were vaccinated last year as part of scheduled vaccinations.
Kazakhstan has also taken proactive measures to address the situation, purchasing 1.5 million doses of vaccines against measles, rubella, and mumps. Over 930,000 people have been vaccinated as part of additional vaccination efforts, with over 20,000 people receiving vaccinations daily.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that unvaccinated individuals are at a high risk of severe complications. He also expressed concern over the deliberate refusal of some parents to vaccinate their children, which can have serious consequences.
In response to this, Smailov instructed the expansion of immunization coverage against measles and the intensification of vaccination with other preventive vaccinations. He urged the Ministry of Health to create conditions to vaccinate citizens in remote settlements.
Overall, the efforts to combat infectious diseases in Kazakhstan are making a positive impact, with a decline in the incidence of measles and other infections. Vaccination efforts are crucial in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of diseases, and the government is committed to taking proactive measures to protect the population.
