Kazakhstan Achieves Historic Low in Infant Mortality Rate

Kazakhstan has recorded the lowest neonatal mortality rate in Central Asia, reaching 3.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a historic low for the country and marks a reduction by half over the past decade.

The nation's progress in neonatal care and survival rates for newborns, including those with extremely low birth weight, has been significant. Today, infants weighing from 500 grams are successfully cared for not only in national centers but also in regional perinatal facilities.

The survival rate for such children has quadrupled thanks to the adoption of modern perinatal technologies and the high skill level of medical professionals. This is one of the best results in the region.

Annually, approximately 20,000 to 22,000 premature babies are born in Kazakhstan, accounting for about 5% of all births. The systematic development of obstetric and neonatal services has led to a steady decline in mortality: infant mortality has decreased by 1.5 times over ten years, while neonatal mortality has been halved.

Caring for premature infants is complex and requires round-the-clock attention. Due to organ immaturity, these newborns need constant monitoring, with medical teams performing over 20 vital procedures daily. These achievements are credited to the coordinated work of highly qualified neonatologists and nurses.

Special focus is placed on health monitoring from the first days of life. The country has implemented four types of screening: neonatal, audiological, ophthalmological, and developmental screening. Follow-up programs are also being developed to monitor children after discharge and promptly identify potential health issues.

Kazakhstan continues to implement advanced perinatal technologies and principles of safe motherhood recommended by international organizations. Newborn resuscitation and intensive care services are being strengthened, with specialists undergoing regular training both domestically and abroad.

A standard for organizing neonatal care has been approved, focusing on the paramount priority of preserving every child's life. Key ongoing tasks include reducing the number of preterm births, strengthening reproductive health, and preventing infections.