WHO Experts Arrive in Kazakhstan to Help Develop National Anti-Obesity Plan

A mission of experts from the World Health Organization has begun work in Astana, focusing on implementing an Accelerated Action Plan to combat obesity. The event aims to formulate a national roadmap for integrating modern methods of preventing and treating excess weight into the primary healthcare system.

The urgency of this agenda is underscored by alarming statistics. According to the 2024 STEPS study, 58% of Kazakhstan's adult population (18+) lives with excess body weight, with a clinical form of obesity recorded in 22.4% of citizens. The situation among children is no less serious: the COSI study (2020) indicates that 20.6% of children aged 6–9 have excess weight, while 6.6% are obese.

This work follows an instruction from the Head of Government to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity and creating a healthy food environment. A systemic solution requires consolidating efforts across all relevant agencies and moving from theoretical concepts to practical implementation.

Opening the event, Vice Minister of Health Aliya Rustemova emphasized the strategic importance of the decisions being made. "Obesity is not just a medical problem but a global challenge to public health and the economy, requiring a unified national policy for accelerated action," she stated.

"Our task is to adapt proven international tools to our priorities, focusing on healthy nutrition for the population, tax policy, and access to medical and preventive care," added Vice Minister Rustemova.

International experts confirmed their readiness to support Kazakhstan in implementing these initiatives. Skender Syla, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, noted that they are building a comprehensive approach with partners—from measures to reduce access to sugary drinks and protect children from aggressive marketing to training doctors and introducing modern treatment methods.

"Our common goal is to significantly reduce the prevalence of obesity and related diseases," Syla said.

To achieve its goals, Kazakhstan plans to implement a set of measures covering regulatory policy and promoting healthy eating habits. Key areas will include introducing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, restricting child-targeted marketing of unhealthy products, and implementing front-of-pack labeling for consumer information.

In parallel, large-scale modernization of medical care at the primary level will be carried out. General practitioners will be trained in "brief intervention" techniques for early identification of obesity risks and ensuring comprehensive multidisciplinary patient management.

The outcome of this three-day mission will be approval of a practical "Roadmap" with clear implementation timelines and assigned areas of responsibility. It is expected that implementing this plan by 2030 will help create a sustainable food environment and an effective prevention system focused on strengthening public health nationwide.