27.05.2025

More than 7,000 newborns are delivered annually in the Regional Perinatal Center in Semey, with approximately 500 premature infants being at risk of developing severe ocular pathologies, including retinopathy. This condition can cause permanent blindness if medical assistance is delayed for even a day. Thanks to collaboration between AYALA Foundation and Vostoktsvetmet Company of KAZ Minerals Group, the Medical Center was provided with an ophthalmoscope

The ophthalmoscope was transferred to the follow-up care unit of the Regional Perinatal Center. It allowed ensuring continuous monitoring of newborns with vision pathologies after their discharge. Over 500 infants have already received essential screenings.

In addition, Vostoktsvetmet financed procurement of 15 vials of Lucentis — a critical medication for treating aggressive forms of retinopathy in preterm infants. All vials were used to save vision in newborn patients of the center.

Vyacheslav Yuryevich Yakupov, HR Director of Vostoktsvetmet LLP, stated: «We are pleased to provide our support in safeguarding the health of newborns in the Abai region and help prevent vision-related disabilities. Charitable projects in pediatric healthcare are a vital part of our company’s social initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable development of our country.»

Aidan Suleimenova, President of AYALA Foundation, emphasized: «For 18 years, our Foundation has supported state medical institutions with equipment to give every newborn baby a chance for a healthy and fulfilling life. We thank Vostoktsvetmet Company of KAZ Minerals Group for their assistance in the project that will change the future of hundreds of children for better.»

Earlier, the Semey Regional Perinatal Center received from AYALA Foundation a retinal camera, an ophthalmic laser, and an automated hypothermia system with a total value exceeding 70 million tenge. This support has helped preserve functional health for hundreds of newborns in the Abai region.

Since 2022, as part of I Can See the World charity project, AYALA Foundation has equipped 23 medical facilities across the country with 12 retinal cameras, 6 laser units, 17 ophthalmoscopes, 163 vials of Lucentis. This helped to expand coverage of newborns with early ophthalmological screening and reduce vision-related disabilities among preterm infants in Kazakhstan to near-zero levels.