National Commission on Women and Family Policy of Kazakhstan Held a Roundtable with Government, NGOs, and International Organizations

On June 28, 2024, the National Commission on Women and Family, Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a round table with representatives from relevant authorities, the Consortium of Research Organizations, NGOs, and international organizations.

The purpose of the round table was to discuss and develop a set of measures aimed at protecting the reproductive health of the population. From June 24 to 28, with the support of the National Commission, the Reproductive Health Week is being held to raise public awareness about the importance of reproductive health and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The protection of reproductive health remains a priority area of state policy. This issue is of national significance as it concerns the health of the nation and the future of the country. The National Commission consistently focuses on empowering women and young girls to make informed decisions about childbirth, reducing risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and achieving the highest standard of reproductive health.

In this context, a comprehensive set of socio-economic and medical-preventive measures is being implemented. The round table featured a speech by Zhuldyzai Iskakova, Deputy Chair of the National Commission on Women and Family, Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who also served as the event's moderator.

Participants in the discussion included Kairat Kambarov, Chairman of the Committee on Family and Youth Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information, Shakizat Kalykova, Acting Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health of the Ministry of Health, Meruert Medetbekova, Director of the Department of Educational Work and Additional Education of the Ministry of Education, as well as experts and scholars.

Despite a 37% decrease in births among adolescents (ages 15 to 18) and a 36% decrease in the share of abortions among girls and adolescents over the past five years, several issues remain. National reproductive behavior studies show low coverage of adolescents with modern contraception, at only 30%. The issue of reproductive health for both men and women remains pressing. Infertile marriages continue to be a significant medical and social problem, and solving this issue will improve the country's demographic situation and the quality of life for patients who are unable to have children for various reasons.

It was also noted that low awareness among adolescents about the importance of reproductive health, methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the increasing prevalence of HIV infection and STIs, require a comprehensive approach to address.

Mira Sauranbayeva, co-author of the educational and methodological complex for teachers of secondary education organizations on forming spirituality, morality, and preparation for family life among students, presented her research. Raimbek Sisemaliev, Executive Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Kazakhstan, and Galina Grebennikova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health, participated in the discussion online. Also speaking at the event was Sholpan Karzhaubayeva, Head of the Youth and Family Health Department of the City Human Reproduction Center of Almaty.

Participants of the round table made suggestions on protecting the health of girls and women of reproductive age, strengthening the reproductive health of adolescents, and preparing young people for responsible parenthood.

The National Commission called on authorized bodies, public organizations, and the expert and scientific community to engage in awareness-raising activities among the population and target audiences.