Government distributes free birth control methods to females
In a bid to improve reproductive health services and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, the Kazakhstan government has launched an initiative to provide free contraceptives to vulnerable groups.
The initiative, which is being implemented across medical organizations in Kazakhstan, includes the distribution of contraceptives at primary healthcare centers, maternal clinics, and polyclinics throughout the country, including republican cities.
The Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova, has called on local executive bodies to allocate funds for this purpose. The funds will be used for staffing and training personnel, strengthening the material and technical base of medical organizations, providing transportation for pregnant women and children to regional centers, and ensuring the provision of contraceptives to women of reproductive age from vulnerable groups.
The measures are aimed at reducing unplanned, unwanted pregnancies and preventing maternal and infant mortality. Akmaral Alnazarova reported an increase in maternal mortality in six regions: Akmolinsk, Zhambyl, Aktobe, Jetisu, and Abai. To address this concern, the ministry has taken initiatives such as sending a monitoring group to the Ulytau region to investigate infant deaths last year.
The investigation into infant deaths in the Ulytau region is one of the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Health to address health concerns in Kazakhstan. The ministry is collaborating with international organizations, such as UNFPA, providing technical support to carry out these programs effectively.
While there is no specific data on the impact of this initiative on maternal and infant mortality within Kazakhstan, the strategy aligns with global reproductive health practices and is likely to contribute positively to reducing maternal and infant mortality. However, conclusive evidence or detailed descriptions of local executive implementations and outcomes in Kazakhstan are not available from the present search results. Further research in official national sources or UNFPA Kazakhstan documents would be necessary to provide precise information.
In summary, the Kazakhstan government's initiative to provide free contraceptives is a significant step towards improving reproductive health services and reducing maternal and infant mortality. The initiative is government-led, collaborative, and aimed at vulnerable groups in Kazakhstan, with the ultimate goal of reducing unplanned pregnancies and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
The initiative's scope extends beyond contraceptives, as it also includes strengthening health-and-wellness facilities by providing nutrition education as part of women's health programs, ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to adequate knowledge about healthy eating and its impact on reproductive health.
Furthermore, to comprehensively improve the health of women in Kazakhstan, the ministry is considering incorporating science-based nutritional plans in their reproductive health services, with the goal of creating a more holistic approach to women's health and wellness.
