Kazakhstan Reports 12.5% Increase in Fetal Pathology Detection

Kazakhstan has recorded a decrease in infant mortality and disability, a trend attributed to the implementation of digital patronage systems and the expansion of the early intervention center network.

Comprehensive measures to protect maternal and child health have improved the early diagnosis of congenital pathologies and reduced several indicators of child mortality. Congenital malformations and chromosomal pathologies remain the leading cause of infant mortality and childhood disability in the country, with up to 400 children born annually with chromosomal diseases.

To enable earlier detection, a national standard for medical-genetic care has been approved for the first time. "One-Day Clinics" have been organized in 19 regions, where pregnant women can undergo examinations for fetal congenital anomalies within an hour. During the reporting period, approximately 100,000 pregnant women received over 500,000 medical services through this system.

The QazGenis registry for congenital and hereditary pathology has been created, utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms. This year, plans are underway to integrate this registry into medical information systems and launch screening for spinal muscular atrophy among couples.

These implemented measures have led to a 12.5% increase in the detection rate of fetal congenital malformations. Furthermore, there has been a 12% reduction in births of children with Down syndrome (from 373 to 296 cases per year) and a 7% decrease in disability caused by congenital pathologies.

The development of fetal surgery has saved the lives of 99 future newborns, and 82 pregnancies with multiple fetuses have been successfully delivered.

Efforts are simultaneously strengthening primary healthcare. In 2024, 352 pediatric departments were opened within primary care organizations. Since 2025, 336 child development and early intervention centers have been operational, providing consultations to over 72,000 children. The detection rate for developmental disorders has risen by 21.5%, reaching 35,900 cases, while referrals to psychological-medical-pedagogical commissions have more than doubled.

Approximately 4,000 patronage nurses now work across the country under a universal-progressive model for family monitoring. International-level trainers have been prepared, and over 2,500 specialists have undergone training. Patronage record-keeping has been digitized using GPS navigation and photo documentation.

This digital shift has resulted in a significant reduction: home-based child mortality decreased by 22%, and late hospitalizations in critical condition dropped by 5%. In addition to these improvements, a digital child profile was introduced in Kazakhstan last year (2025). This profile monitors health from birth until age eighteen while also tracking vaccinations electronically; it even serves as an electronic passport required when enrolling children into kindergarten or school settings