(12 February 2026 | Source: press service of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
The Government of Kazakhstan reviewed the current epidemiological situation regarding measles and measures to increase vaccination coverage. Despite a decline in indicators at the end of last year, a high incidence rate persists in certain regions.
WHERE THE INCREASE IN INCIDENCE HAS BEEN RECORDED
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva. The main topic was the situation with infectious diseases, with particular attention paid to measles.
According to the Ministry of Health, by the end of 2025, the incidence of measles had decreased by 85% compared to 2024. However, since the beginning of 2026, 1,951 cases of the disease have been registered in the country.
The highest incidence rates were recorded in the cities of Astana and Almaty, as well as in the Zhambyl Region and Atyrau Region. The majority of cases are among children under 5 years old. As noted in the meeting materials, unvaccinated children predominate among those who have fallen ill, including cases of parental refusal to vaccinate.
WHICH REGIONS WERE HEARD IN THE GOVERNMENT
During the meeting, reports were heard from deputy akims of regions with the highest incidence rates.
Aida Balayeva instructed regional headquarters under the akimats to analyse the epidemiological situation daily. She also emphasised the personal responsibility of local leaders for controlling the spread of measles.
SITUATION WITH PREVENTIVE VACCINATIONS
The level of preventive vaccination coverage was discussed as a separate issue. According to the Government, target indicators have not been achieved in a number of regions.
The most difficult situation is observed in the Mangystau Region, where population coverage has not been achieved for all main types of vaccines. The meeting materials note that such gaps create conditions for the spread of infectious diseases and require strengthening targeted efforts at the primary healthcare level.
WHAT INSTRUCTIONS WERE GIVEN FOLLOWING THE MEETING
Following the discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed that the epidemiological situation regarding measles be placed under special control.
An instruction was also given to step up information and explanatory work among the population regarding the importance of immunisation, primarily in the Mangystau Region.
Earlier, it was reported about a surge in measles cases in Kazakhstan and measures for emergency vaccination of children in Almaty.