24.09.2026

On 24 September, the Second Scientific and Practical Conference on Neonatology, “Modern Approaches to the Care of Premature Newborns: A Multidisciplinary Approach”, opened in Almaty. Specialists from 16 countries are discussing contemporary approaches to caring for premature babies, reducing mortality and preventing serious complications in newborns.

According to an international report published in March 2025, Kazakhstan’s neonatal mortality rate in 2024 was 3.9 per 1,000 live births, the lowest among Central Asian countries. The country has also made significant progress in caring for babies with extremely low birth weight: today, infants weighing from 500 grams are successfully cared for not only at national-level centres, but also at regional perinatal centres.

“Thanks to the introduction of programmes with a strong evidence base, modern neonatal care technologies and the professionalism of Kazakhstani specialists, as well as technical support from WHO, UNICEF, non-governmental organisations and charitable foundations, we have achieved significant results: the survival rate of babies with extremely low birth weight has increased fourfold, while neonatal mortality in the country has fallen fivefold. This is the result of coordinated work by all perinatal centres, research organisations and the Ministry of Healthcare. At the same time, the quality of care, prevention of complications and the child’s subsequent development remain important priorities for us. At the conference, we are discussing specific clinical solutions that specialists can apply immediately in their everyday practice,” said Magripa Yembergenova, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

International speakers include Ömer Erdeve, Professor of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Ankara University; Samir Gupta from Qatar, Professor of Neonatology at Durham University and Head of Neonatology at Sidra Medicine; Yasser Elsayed from Canada, an expert in neonatal haemodynamics and functional echocardiography and Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Manitoba; Roy K. Philip from Ireland, Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Limerick; Tongyan Han, Director of the Department of Paediatrics at Peking University Third Hospital; and other specialists.

The conference is addressing contemporary strategies for respiratory support, parenteral and enteral nutrition, infection prevention, neuroprotection, haemodynamic assessment, family-centred care, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up of children born prematurely.

Dedicated presentations focus on trends in neonatal mortality in Kazakhstan, the development of the country’s neonatal care system, prevention of retinopathy of prematurity, audiological screening, prevention of RSV infection, digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence in neonatal sepsis. Kazakhstani specialists are presenting practical experience from perinatal centres in Astana, Almaty, Atyrau, Semey and Taraz. Neonatologists from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will discuss the development of neonatal care and neonatal mortality audits in their countries.

The conference continues the professional dialogue begun at the first meeting in Almaty in 2024 with the support of AYALA Charity Foundation, which is now in its twentieth year of supporting Ministry of Healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing neonatal mortality and disability from birth in Kazakhstan.

“Modern equipment is essential for neonatal resuscitation, but outcomes depend first and foremost on the knowledge, skills and coordinated work of the medical team. That is why AYALA Foundation both equips intensive care units and supports the training of neonatologists. The conference gives Kazakhstani doctors an opportunity to discuss complex clinical issues directly with international experts and compare different approaches. It is important to us that this knowledge is accessible to regional neonatal services across Kazakhstan, which is why the conference livestream is free for all healthcare professionals,” said Aidan Suleimenova, Founder and President of AYALA Charity Foundation.

The conference has been organised at the initiative of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participating organisations include the Almaty Public Health Department, the Congress of Obstetricians, Gynaecologists and Neonatologists of Kazakhstan, the Almaty Centre of Perinatology and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Astana Medical University and AYALA Charity Foundation, with the support of the general partner, medical trading company U.M.C Kazakhstan, as well as AstraZeneca, Acino part of Arcera, Baxter and other partners.