WHO chief Tedros praises Tokayev's healthcare reforms in Kazakhstan

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Kazakhstan's efforts to improve public health and well-being. In a post on his Facebook account, reported by Qazinform News Agency, he commended President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's commitment to increasing the salaries of 77,000 healthcare workers.

"By investing in primary health care, empowering general practitioners and supporting health workers, Kazakhstan is demonstrating how political leadership can translate into better, more accessible health services for all," he said. He also recalled Kazakhstan's role in shaping the global "Health for All" concept, which was reflected in the Alma-Ata Declaration nearly 50 years ago.

Noting that the declaration's 50th anniversary approaches in 2028, he said Kazakhstan continues "to set an example of turning that vision into action." In his annual address to the nation, Tokayev emphasized the need to modernize the primary healthcare system, expand the responsibilities of general practitioners and gradually increase funding. He instructed the Government to raise salaries for primary healthcare workers by up to 40% starting January 1, 2027.