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National Reproductive Health Week, Launched on May 12, Successfully Engaged Communities Across Kazakhstan

The National Reproductive Health Week, launched on May 12, was actively and effectively carried out across the country. The campaign aimed to strengthen public education and awareness around reproductive health and family formation. The initiative was once again spearheaded by the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Each day of the Week was dedicated to a specific theme. The fourth day focused on youth reproductive health and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with special emphasis on reducing stigma and barriers to seeking medical help.

In West Kazakhstan Region, more than 60 events were held on that day. Among them was a meeting at the Mother’s Home, a shelter operating under the patronage of the public foundation Ana Üyi, which provides support to women in difficult life situations. Since its founding, the Mother’s Home has supported over 300 women and 360 children.

Given the center's unique profile, the program included informational sessions and personalized consultations on the day’s key topics. Speakers included:

● A.A. Mantakova, Acting Director of the Regional Center for AIDS Prevention and Control
● Sh.S. Ötebaliyeva, Regional Ombudsperson for Children’s Rights and member of the Commission on Women and Family Policy under the regional akimat
● A.B. Nurmukhanbetova, a specialist at the Center

and other professionals.

Participants received informational booklets, thematic materials, and sponsored assistance packages at the end of the session.

“Events like this, and especially the Week as a whole, have made a real contribution to building informed approaches to reproductive health, and to cultivating an understanding of how healthy lifestyles matter — for oneself, for future generations, and for our children. It is particularly vital for youth. At the same time, these initiatives foster and strengthen a sense of personal responsibility,” — noted Z.Z. Shkanova, Director of the Regional Mother’s Home and member of the Commission on Women and Family Policy under the Akim of West Kazakhstan Region.