Highlights of the official launch of the Pandemic Fund project in Kazakhstan
19 February 2024
The Pandemic Fund Project in Kazakhstan was officially launched on 15 February 2024 in Astana by the Ministry of Healthcare and the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan.
Attendees included Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund Priya Basu, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan Skender Syla, World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Andrey Mikhnev, and representatives of diplomatic missions.
“Today, all countries are still feeling the effects of this medical crisis due to the negative impact of COVID-19,” highlighted Skender Syla. “The Pandemic Fund project in Kazakhstan should be a successful story. The WHO Country Office will support the Government in making a meaningful impact for a safer and healthier future for everyone, and in strengthening the health systems to be better prepared to address future challenges posed by the global health crisis.”
Priya Basu stated, “The Pandemic Fund is proud to collaborate with the Government of Kazakhstan and the World Health Organization on this vital initiative, which represents a crucial investment in Kazakhstan's ability to detect, prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks effectively.”
She added, “Through collaborative efforts in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, laboratory systems and workforce development, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, safer future for the people of Kazakhstan. The Pandemic Fund remains steadfast in our dedication to supporting countries around the world in their journey towards building a stronger, more resilient health system.”
About the Pandemic Fund
The Pandemic Fund is a multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to providing multiyear grants for enhancing pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries. The Fund assists countries and regions in strengthening their health systems and increasing their investments, enabling them to prevent, prepare and respond effectively to health threats.
In the first round of applications to the Fund, Kazakhstan was successful. The grant will address the most important tasks in the public health system of the country, particularly in the field of epidemiological surveillance, border control, laboratory safety, early detection and response, and staff training.
The WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan will facilitate the implementation of the grant and provide overall technical support to the Ministry of Health.
Event notice
15 February 2024
The Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan and WHO, with the support of the World Bank, will present the Pandemic Fund project in Kazakhstan on 15 February 2024.
In 2023 the Board of Governors of the Pandemic Fund approved the allocation of grants designed to increase resilience to future pandemics in 37 countries, including Kazakhstan. The Pandemic Fund grant will target the most important tasks in the country’s public health system, especially epidemiological surveillance, border control (Kazakhstan has extensive borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), laboratory safety, early detection and response, and staff training.
The Pandemic Fund, established in September 2022 and officially launched at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, is the first multilateral financial mechanism designed to provide long-term grant funding to help low- and middle-income countries to increase their preparedness for future pandemics.
During the presentation, organizers will explain what the Pandemic Fund is, why it is so important to prepare for public health emergencies of international concern, and what areas and activities the grant will include.