Measles Surge in Kazakhstan: Majority of Cases Linked to Children Under Five

Kazakhstan has recorded 1,951 cases of measles since the beginning of this year, according to a report from the government's press service. While the Ministry of Healthcare noted that overall incidence levels at the end of 2024 had dropped by 85% compared to the previous year, the infection has seen a significant resurgence in the early months of 2025.

The highest concentration of cases has been reported in:

• Astana and Almaty cities;
• Zhambyl region;
• Atyrau region.

The majority of those infected are children under the age of five. Medical experts emphasize that most patients were unvaccinated, primarily due to parents deliberately refusing immunization for their children.

The issue was the central focus of a recent meeting chaired by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information. The council discussed the critical need to expand preventative vaccination coverage.

"Target indicators are not being met in several regions. Specifically, the Mangystau region shows the lowest coverage levels across all basic types of vaccinations," it was noted during the session.

Following the meeting, Aida Balayeva issued several key mandates to address the crisis:

• Daily Monitoring: Regional headquarters under local administrations (akimats) must conduct daily analyses of the epidemiological situation.
• Primary Care Focus: Intensify localized efforts and outreach at the primary clinic (polyclinic) level.
• Public Awareness: Revitalize information campaigns to educate the public on the vital importance of immunization.