Vice Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Rustemova took part in the Global Forum on Supporting Caregivers during a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain, DKNews.kz reports.
The international event was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, with the support of Spain, and brought together representatives of governments and international organizations from more than 30 countries.
High-Level Opening with Spanish Royal Family
The forum was officially opened with the participation of Queen Letizia of Spain and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, underscoring the growing global attention to the role of parents, caregivers, and those providing care.
The forum focused on recognizing care work as a vital component of social and health policy, as well as on strengthening systems that support families and child wellbeing.
Kazakhstan’s Priorities: Children, Families and Primary Healthcare
The Kazakh delegation actively participated in thematic sessions and delivered a statement at the plenary session titled “Looking Ahead and Next Steps.”
During her speech, Vice Minister Rustemova presented Kazakhstan’s state policy priorities in child health protection and family support, highlighting the critical role of primary health care (PHC) in building resilient and sustainable health systems.
She emphasized that strong primary healthcare is essential for early intervention, disease prevention, and ensuring accessible services for children and vulnerable families.
Dialogue with Spain’s Ministry of Health
As part of the visit, the Embassy of Kazakhstan arranged a meeting between Vice Minister Rustemova and Javier Padilla Bernaldez, Secretary of State at the Spanish Ministry of Health.
The meeting focused on prospects for cooperation in:
- strengthening primary health care,
- digitalization of healthcare systems,
- and exchange of best practices in family and caregiver support.
Spain Shows Interest in Kazakhstan’s PHC Initiative
The Spanish side positively assessed Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a Global Coalition on Primary Health Care and expressed readiness to consider joining the initiative.
The talks confirmed mutual interest in developing practical cooperation and expanding dialogue in healthcare modernization and digital health solutions.
Kazakhstan in the Global Health Agenda
Kazakhstan’s participation in the WHO and UNICEF forum in Spain demonstrated the country’s commitment to advancing international cooperation in healthcare, with a strong focus on family support, child health, and the development of resilient primary healthcare systems.
Experts note that such platforms allow Kazakhstan to share its experience while strengthening partnerships with leading countries and international organizations.
