Kazakhstan Screens 2.3 Million Students, Detecting Health Issues in 242,000 Children

During the first half of this year in Kazakhstan, 2.3 million children underwent routine preventive medical screenings, with various health conditions identified in 242,000 of them—accounting for 11% of all children examined, according to the Ministry of Health.

The most prevalent health issues discovered among minors include dental caries, anemia, and myopia. Out of the total number of children diagnosed, 86,700 - or 36% - who require ongoing medical supervision have been officially placed under observation. The ministry plans to screen the remaining children before the end of the year.

Data and assessments from the World Health Organization cited by the Ministry of Health place the baseline pediatric morbidity rate between 15% and 25%.

This year, the protocol for conducting children's preventive screenings has also been updated. To ensure earlier detection of illnesses, the new procedure incorporates advanced digital diagnostic tools such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, otoscopes, and intraoral cameras, some of which leverage artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, under the "Healthy Teeth for the Future" roadmap launched in 2025, the number of dental offices located within educational institutions has expanded from 145 to 288. A total of 36 billion tenge has been allocated this year to provide specialized dental care for children and pregnant women.