ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 12. The Prime Minister
of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, and United Nations
Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Population
Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita discussed cooperation in population
policy, Trend reports
via the Kazakh government.
Bektenov said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches special
importance to comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations. He
noted that the government is ready to further expand its
partnership with UNFPA in line with national priorities, adding
that the agency’s country office in Astana complements Kazakhstan’s
broader socio-economic reforms aimed at building a more inclusive
society.
Keita, in turn, praised Kazakhstan’s progress in social
development, stressing UNFPA’s readiness to continue providing
expert support for strategic initiatives. She said the UN was
founded on the principles of peace, security, and sustainable
development, adding that Kazakhstan’s policies are consistent with
these goals.
She highlighted progress in reducing maternal mortality and
improving healthcare for women and youth, as well as Kazakhstan’s
focus on education and social welfare. Keita also pointed to
constitutional reforms centered on human rights and individual
choice, describing them as particularly relevant in a period of
global change.
The UNFPA Executive Director further noted the advanced
technological development of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system and the
introduction of AI-based solutions. During a visit to a hospital in
Astana, she praised its equipment, saying it was comparable to
leading international medical institutions.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, maternal mortality
has declined by 35% over the past five years, while infant
mortality has fallen by 25%. The country is implementing the
“Analar saulygy” program to improve maternal health, and 90 youth
health centers are currently operating nationwide.
