The World Health Organization, the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan, appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Government of Kazakhstan, as well as all stakeholders, including the Parliament and others, in updating the legislation regulating the health sector, medical personnel, as well as the paragraph, which is important for strengthening tobacco control policies in the country. This was announced by Skender Syla, WHO representative - head of the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan
- Health and care workers are the backbone of any country's healthcare system. Updating the legislation, which will stimulate their further motivation, shows that it will allow them to provide the best available medical services to the people who need them in the current world conditions.
Everyone knows that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. We saw this clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health care workers were heroes, saving lives day and night. That is why this legislative initiative, from the point of view of WHO, is essential to improve the quality of health services thanks to health workers who are motivated and ready to provide the necessary care, as well as to ensure the resilience of health systems in the face of the challenges of the modern age. Another important aspect of the legislation, in which Kazakhstan acts as an example, is the strengthening of control over tobacco products, including a complete ban on the import, sale and distribution of vape products. This is the right course of action to protect the present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco products, as it is known from global research that young people are the most vulnerable. We need to protect young people from harmful products, whether it's tobacco or alcohol.
We must focus on their healthy diets, physical activity and creating a brighter future for all. Once again, we congratulate Kazakhstan on these important steps towards strengthening public health and improving the health of Kazakhstanis, said the Head of the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan.