Childhood cancer remains a major health challenge in the WHO European Region. Kazakhstan is taking significant steps to improve survival rates and ensure every child gets diagnosed as fast as possible and receives the best treatment available. One of the most prominent challenges on this road is health inequities. Children from families with lower incomes often don’t have full access to cancer medicines and comprehensive health services. Recognizing this, Kazakhstan has made childhood cancer care a national priority, integrating it into its broader noncommunicable disease prevention and treatment strategy.
“Thanks to modern diagnostics and treatment, children with cancer are living longer and this is one of our greatest achievements. Since prevention is not possible, early and accurate diagnosis followed by effective treatment is key to improving survival,” said Dr Magripa Embergenova, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2 national-level clinics operate in Kazakhstan – the Scientific Center for Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery in Almaty and the National Research Centre for Maternal and Child Health in Astana. They have specialized departments where, alongside standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy, patients receive complex multicomponent treatment programmes for chemo-resistant forms of cancer. Annually, approximately 5000 patients receive cancer treatment at these centres.
Fast diagnosis and quality treatment for every child
In 2024 alone, 638 children in Kazakhstan received a new cancer diagnosis. After completing intensive cancer treatment at national centres, children continue follow-up care in their home regions under the supervision of local pediatric oncologists and hematologists.
In Kazakhstan, children with cancer have access to free medications provided through the national budget. However, significant barriers remain – the cost of treating childhood cancer can place a significant financial burden on families, sometimes even determining whether a child receives timely accurate diagnosis and life-saving care. These disparities in health-care access remain a challenge that must be addressed across the WHO European Region.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals and other global commitments supported by WHO call for greater investments to eliminate inequities in health care. Every child with cancer, regardless of family income or place of residence, deserves the best possible treatment.
Never hesitate to consult a doctor
In Kazakhstan, the average childhood cancer survival rate stands at 75%, and the government is committed to measures to increase the survival rate further and to improve quality of life for those undergoing treatment. WHO’s primary advice to all parents is never to delay a visit to the doctor. Childhood cancer is a rare disease that may not present obvious symptoms, making early detection essential. At the early stage of diagnostics, WHO recommends the following.
- Rely on credible sources of information to understand the disease and make informed decisions.
- Seek care from qualified medical professionals with recognized credentials.
- Adhere strictly to the treatment plan and follow medical recommendations.
- Encourage balanced nutrition and physical activity to support overall well-being during treatment.
- Prioritize your own physical and mental health as a caregiver.
- Do not hesitate to seek psychological support when needed.
Supporting mental well-being of families
Mental well-being is crucially important not only for a child living with cancer, but also for their whole family. In Kazakhstan, psychologists provide essential support for families at the Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery and the National Research Centre for Maternal and Child Health. The latter has a dedicated team that includes 7 medical psychologists, 3 staff psychologists, 2 social workers, a methodology specialist and 2 educators.
Psychological support is an integral part of palliative care – a key component of improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. While advances in treatment have improved survival rates, many children require long-term symptom management and holistic care that extends beyond medical interventions. Integrating palliative care into the health system helps ease the burden on families and provides dignity and comfort for children facing life-threatening illnesses.
During cancer treatment, children in Kazakhstan’s cancer centres, including preschoolers, can continue their education seamlessly, preserving a sense of routine and stability. The establishment of “Smart Schools”, equipped with modern educational tools and developmental materials, also creates a sense of belonging and psychological safety. These initiatives help brighten children’s lengthy and emotionally draining hospital stays and support them in coping with their condition.
Fostering a community
To raise public awareness and keep patients and their families informed, specialists from national cancer centres regularly publish articles and provide media updates on the latest advancements in pediatric oncology. These efforts help build a well-informed community, empowering families with knowledge and fostering greater support for childhood cancer care.
Civil society organizations, nongovernmental organizations and charitable foundations play a vital role in supporting children with cancer. They help improve treatment access by funding medical equipment and essential medicines, promoting blood and bone marrow donation and implementing social and educational programmes. Additionally, they organize cultural activities for children and their families, providing much-needed emotional and social support throughout treatment.