Kazakhstan marks European Immunization Week

Health officials warn of measles, whooping cough spike as Kazakhstan pushes awareness during European Immunization Week 2025

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has launched European Immunization Week (EIW) 2025, running from April 27 to May 3, under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” the country’s Health Ministry announced.

The annual campaign, celebrated across the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, aims to raise awareness about the critical role of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting communities.

Officials highlighted the country’s immunization achievements: Kazakhstan has not recorded a case of polio since 1996 or diphtheria since 2009. Infections such as mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rubella have plummeted by more than 100-fold, 32-fold, 92-fold, and 2,000-fold respectively.

The national immunization program now provides protection against 21 infectious diseases.

However, health authorities have raised alarms over a recent surge in vaccine-preventable illnesses. According to the ministry, 75% of measles cases and 87% of whooping cough cases are occurring among children who have missed routine immunizations.

In a new development this year, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was added to the national schedule for girls aged 11 to 13. Since the rollout, 133,169 girls have received their first dose, and 21,194 have completed the two-dose series.

Officials say the EIW initiative serves as a reminder of the life-saving benefits of vaccines, particularly amid growing concerns over vaccine hesitancy and access gaps in some communities.

Kazakhstan’s campaign aligns with regional efforts to ensure high and equitable vaccine coverage, prevent outbreaks, and safeguard future generations through sustained immunization programs.