Neurological Disorders as a Public Health Priority: Accelerating the Implementation of the IGAP in Kazakhstan
From June 9 to 12, 2026, a series of events dedicated to the implementation of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP 2022–2031) was held in Astana under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). The meetings brought together representatives of WHO, ministries of health from countries of the WHO European Region, the scientific community, professional associations, and patient organizations to discuss current issues related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders.
Faculty members of the Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) actively participated in these events.
WHO National Workshop: Accelerating the Implementation of IGAP in Kazakhstan
On June 9–10, a WHO National Workshop focusing on the development of neurological services in Kazakhstan was held. Key topics included improving care pathways, access to medicines, workforce development, scientific research, and the integration of digital health solutions into healthcare.
During the expert sessions, Associate Professors of the Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov KazNMU, Roza Baltabayevna Nurzhanova and Radmila Timsonovna Tsoy, presented Kazakhstan’s achievements in specialist training and the organization of neurological care. They delivered a presentation on pharmaceutical provision and the development of diagnostic capacities, highlighting research findings in the fields of cognitive health and dementia conducted in collaboration with international partners.
WHO Intercountry Training Workshop
On June 11–12, Astana hosted the WHO Intercountry Training Workshop entitled “Neurological Disorders as a Public Health Priority: Accelerating the Implementation of the IGAP in the WHO European Region.” The event was attended by representatives from nine countries of the region: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Kazakh delegation included Gulnara Edilovna Sarsenbayeva, Director of the Department for the Organization of Medical Care of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Natalya Georgievna Yunitsina, representative of the Salidat Kairbekova National Scientific Center for Healthcare Development; Saule Tleubergenovna Turuspekova, Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov KazNMU and Chief Adult Neurologist of Kazakhstan; Leila Orylgaziyevna Dairbayeva, Chair of the Kazakhstan League Against Epilepsy; and Latina Aitzhanovna Tekebayeva, Chief Pediatric Neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the workshop, participants discussed the development of a roadmap for IGAP implementation in Kazakhstan, the improvement of the regulatory framework, expansion of access to diagnostics, treatment and medicines, training of primary healthcare professionals, establishment of a National Registry of Neurological Disorders, and advancement of scientific research.
Special attention was given to the exchange of experience among countries, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, and establishing sustainable mechanisms for the implementation of the IGAP at both national and regional levels.
The hosting of these events in Kazakhstan marked an important step in the development of international cooperation and reaffirmed the country’s active role in promoting modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders within the WHO European Region.
