Kazakhstan: Maternal Mortality Rises in Six Regions, Health Minister Says

Maternal mortality rates have increased in the Aqmola, Jambyl, Aqtobe, Jetisu, and Abay regions, Orda.kz reports, citing Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova’s remarks at a government meeting.

The highest rate is in Aqmola Region — seven times the national average. In the structure of maternal mortality causes, severe extragenital diseases prevail at 55% (10 cases), while obstetric causes account for 45% (eight cases). Multidisciplinary teams from research centers and universities are conducting a detailed analysis of each case,
 Alnazarova said.

She also noted a rise in infant mortality, particularly in Qyzylorda, Qostanay, West Kazakhstan, Jambyl, and Abay regions. The main causes are congenital malformations and respiratory diseases.

In Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Qostanay, and Ulytau regions, the rate of deaths at home is twice the national average.

Alnazarova urged local authorities to ensure women have access to contraceptives and to invest in healthcare infrastructure.

We ask local executive bodies to allocate local budget funds for staffing and training, strengthening the material and technical base of medical organizations, providing transport to deliver pregnant women and children to regional centers, and supplying contraceptives to women of reproductive age from vulnerable groups,
 she added.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov