Infant mortality is a sensitive indicator influenced by various factors. Despite improvements in neonatal care and a decrease in child mortality, new challenges lie ahead for the healthcare system. These issues were discussed at a forum in Astana.
According to the Ministry of Health data from March 16, Kazakhstan has established a three-level system of regionalization, with functioning perinatal centers equipped with modern equipment. However, the increasing birth rate, aging buildings, and the use of high-end technologies in practice require significant modernization of obstetric organizations, which have seen little renovation in the past 10 years.
Efforts are actively being made to improve the screening of pregnant women to reduce morbidity and congenital malformations. Twenty fetal protection centers have been established. Timely qualified multidisciplinary fetal assessment and the rational use of effective technologies contribute to an increase in the birth rate of healthy children.
Furthermore, nutrition is a crucial component for ensuring children's health throughout their lives. The promotion of breastfeeding is seen as a key measure to improve the physiological, metabolic, and immunological status of newborns. According to WHO data, breastfeeding support alone can prevent 12% of child deaths under the age of five.
It is also important to consider the differences between neonatologists and pediatricians when seeking medical advice. Neonatologists work in maternity hospitals in the neonatal pathology department and care for infants in their first 28 days of life.
