Kazakhstan's vaccination drive cuts disease and embraces digital innovation

Medicine

In the final weeks of April, the global community once again turns its attention to one of the most successful initiatives in medical history—immunization.

In 2026, European Immunization Week, held under the slogan "Vaccines Work for Every Generation," coincided with the 20th anniversary of this global campaign, and Kazakhstan has demonstrated impressive progress in this context. At a roundtable discussion at the Congress Center, experts agreed: the country's modern vaccination system not only curbs dangerous infections but is also advancing toward digital management and in-depth scientific analysis.

Kanat Sukhanberdiev, Immunization Program Coordinator at the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan, shared key achievements in immunization over recent years.

"Over the past half-century, vaccination has saved millions of lives, leading to a dramatic reduction in infant mortality—by nearly 40 percent. Thanks to high routine immunization coverage, we maintain our polio-free status and are steadily moving toward the complete elimination of measles, rubella, and hepatitis B. Diseases like diphtheria and tetanus, once widespread threats, are now rare," the expert noted.

According to him, Kazakhstan has made remarkable strides in strengthening its immunization system, enhancing biosafety measures, and transitioning to digital vaccine management. The country is upgrading laboratory oversight and biostorage procedures. A pilot project in Karaganda Region on digital analysis of infrastructure and vaccine stockpiles has laid the groundwork for a nationwide, data-driven vaccine management system.

Immunization remains a top priority in Kazakhstan's healthcare policy. As Nurshai Azimbaeva, Head of the Immunoprophylaxis Center at the Republican State Enterprise "National Center for Public Health" under the Ministry of Health, explained, Kazakhstan's national vaccination schedule now meets the standards of the most developed countries, covering protection against 21 infections. The introduction of new vaccines has already yielded significant results in disease prevention.

Over the past 35 years, immunization in Kazakhstan has drastically reduced cases of mumps, hepatitis A and B, and rubella. Tetanus is now reported only in isolated instances. Meanwhile, the country has recorded no cases of polio for 30 years and no diphtheria cases since 2009.

Azimbaeva emphasized that children in Kazakhstan receive only WHO-certified vaccines.

Special attention is now being paid to protecting future generations through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a key factor in preventing cervical cancer. Kazakhstan has already administered around 370,000 such vaccines to adolescent girls, yet experts emphasize that cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in the country.

An intriguing scientific perspective was introduced by Yelena Kovzel, chair of the Kazakh Society of Immunodeficiencies and the Association of Immunologists, as well as the Ministry of Health's chief allergist-immunologist. She presented the concept of "immune response training," arguing that vaccination is not only for children but also a tool for active longevity. Modern research confirms that even after the age of 70, flu or pneumococcal vaccines help rejuvenate the immune system, reducing the risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis.

However, social barriers stand in the way of universal well-being. Rosa Kozhapova, deputy chair of the Ministry of Health's Sanitary-Epidemiological Control Committee, and Nargiz Tokseitova, head of the emergency medical care department at City Polyclinic No. 13 and a pediatrician, highlighted the issue of distrust and fears fueled by social media. Statistics show that over 75% of measles cases and nearly 90% of pertussis cases in the republic involve unvaccinated children. Pediatricians face religious beliefs and false contraindications that lead parents to delay life-saving procedures.

Experts agree: misinformation about vaccines can be dangerous. Relying on scientific data and verified medical sources is crucial.

They also stressed that no prior blood tests or antihistamine use is required before vaccination, and the long-debunked myth linking vaccines to autism has no basis in fact. Transparency—showing parents the vial, its expiration date, and explaining possible reactions in detail—remains the only way to build trust.

Ultimately, as meeting participants noted, vaccination is not just a personal choice but a contribution to collective safety, protecting those most vulnerable due to age or health conditions.