Protection of Reproductive Health of the Population in Constant Focus of the National Commission on Women and Family, Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

From June 24 to 28 this year, the National Commission on Women and Family, Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held the first-ever Week dedicated to the protection of reproductive health of the population.

The necessity for this Week arose from the low awareness among adolescents about the risks associated with early sexual activity, methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies, and the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and new cases of HIV infection among teenagers.

To enhance the effectiveness of the implemented tasks, resources from authorized central and local government bodies, as well as international and non-governmental organizations, were utilized.

During the preparation for the Week, a pool of speakers on reproductive health preservation was formed, and key areas of work were elaborated.

The Week began with a briefing at the Central Communications Service platform, along with regional briefings held in all areas.

The main events of the Week focused on specific areas: overall reproductive health, reproductive health of adolescents and youth, family planning, combating STIs, and preventing human papillomavirus (HPV).

As part of the Week, members of the National Commission – regional coordinators – conducted a detailed analysis of measures taken to prevent early pregnancies and educate adolescents and youth about sexual health.

With active participation from the National Commission members, information and educational events, open days at health centers, free medical examinations and consultations for young people and adolescents, as well as for the parental community, were held.

Additionally, lectures, seminars, round table meetings, thematic video screenings, surveys, as well as sports and health events were organized.

During the Week, the population had a unique opportunity to receive reliable information about reproductive health, ask questions to qualified specialists, undergo examinations, and improve their health.

The main venues for events were healthcare institutions at all levels: from regional to rural.

Experts from the National Commission visited hospitals, polyclinics, family planning centers, youth health centers, orphanages, educational institutions, and children’s centers. Meetings were organized with representatives of non-governmental organizations, doctors, and specialists in the relevant fields.

Throughout the country, approximately 10,000 events were held during the Week, covering over 300,000 people, of which 40% were adolescents.

In terms of coverage by events organized by the Ministry of Health, the leaders were Almaty city, Abay region, Almaty region, Karaganda region, and Turkistan region. Notable activity was observed in East Kazakhstan region. Under the auspices of the Akimats, the leaders were Astana city, Almaty city, Atyrau region, Aktobe region, Abay region, Almaty region, Karaganda region, and West Kazakhstan region.

A wide information campaign accompanied all the events. National and regional media, social networks broadcasted live, held online sessions involving members of the National Commission, regional commissions, healthcare workers, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Posts were made, and brochures and booklets on the designated topic were distributed.

With the support of UNFPA, the international volunteer network Y-PEER in Kazakhstan actively participated in promoting the initiative. Educational publications were made on social networks, and training sessions on the importance of sexual education and its promotion were conducted. Y-PEER Kazakhstan volunteers reached 11,155 people on social networks and 72 people in offline training and advocacy.

The concluding event of the Week was a round table meeting held on June 28, where experts from the National Commission and government representatives summarized the results.

Based on the outcomes of the Week, the experts of the National Commission proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations for preserving and enhancing the reproductive health of the population.