PRIMARY HEALTH CARE INITIATIVE: KAZAKHSTAN

ENLARGE MAP

Country Background
The Republic of Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. The country is bordered by Russia to the north and west; Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan to the south; China to the east and west, reaching the Caspian Sea. In 1996, the population was recorded at 16.5 million, making Kazakhstan one of the most sparsely populated countries for its size in the world.

More than a hundred different ethnic groups populate Kazakhstan with Kazakhs representing 45 percent of the population followed by Russians, Hellenes, Germans, Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Tatars, and Koreans.

Kazakhstan is richly endowed with natural resources and is a major producer of gold, iron ore, coal, copper, chrome, zinc, and other minerals. The country ranks second, after Russia, in oil production. Despite these resources, the Kazakh economy is in poor condition with high unemployment and extremely low wages. The majority of the population is living in poverty.

Health Care Needs
Life expectancy in Kazakhstan on average for males is 59.4 years and 70.4 years for females. Infant mortality is 25.3 per 1,000 live births. Although classic epidemic diseases (cholera, plague, typhus) are under control, tuberculosis has become a principal public health concern with a number of infectious diseases growing due to environmental degradation connected to the diminishment of the Aral Sea.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, followed by accidents, poisoning, and injuries. Respiratory and neoplasm also contribute to high rates of mortality. Though it has not reached epidemic proportions, AIDS is becoming a major health issue in Kazakhstan.