WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed strong support for President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's decision to increase the salaries of healthcare workers in primary healthcare and district-based services.
In his social media posts, the WHO chief stated: "I commend President Tokayev's commitment to raising salaries for 77,000 health workers in Kazakhstan, and for keeping people's health and well-being at the heart of national policy."
By investing in primary health care and supporting health workers, Kazakhstan is demonstrating how political commitment and leadership can contribute to improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all, Dr.Ghebreyesus noted.
For us, this is about more than salaries. It is recognition of the essential role played by primary healthcare professionals, who are often the first point of contact for patients, provide continuity of care throughout treatment, help detect diseases at an early stage and contribute to protecting public health.
Nearly 50 years ago, Kazakhstan hosted the Alma-Ata Conference, where the Declaration that laid the foundation for the global vision of "Health for All" was adopted. Today, as we approach its 50th anniversary in 2028, our country continues to advance the principles established there, translating them into concrete decisions and practical action.
I thank Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for his attention to the ongoing transformations in Kazakhstan's healthcare system and for recognizing the country's efforts to strengthen primary health care.
