Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are set to launch a study in several regions of Kazakhstan to examine the impact of extreme heat on pregnant women and newborns. The announcement was made during a meeting between Healthcare Minister Akmaral Alnazarova and representatives of the fund.
«The parties discussed conducting a joint study with UNFPA to examine the impact of extreme heat on the health of pregnant women and newborns. The study will be conducted in the country’s hottest regions — the Kyzylorda, Turkestan and Mangystau regions,» the statement said.
Psychologists for rural youth
Another area of partnership with UNFPA is the development of Youth Health Centers (YHCs), where new approaches will be introduced to expand access to remote psychological and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people living in rural areas.
«As part of the pilot project, we propose establishing regional telepsychology centers within YHCs, providing remote consultations with qualified psychologists for rural youth, and forming mobile multidisciplinary teams to serve remote communities,» the minister said.
Crisis counseling
Alnazarova also stressed the importance of expanding crisis counseling for survivors of violence, people at risk of suicide, women experiencing crisis pregnancies, those affected by pregnancy loss and people with anxiety and depression.
In addition, Kazakhstan aims to establish platforms for the United Nations University and a school of public health focusing on the impact of climate change on public health.
