16.06.2026

A five-day advanced training programme in expert prenatal ultrasound diagnosis is currently being delivered in Atyrau as part of the AYALA Academy physician development initiative, featuring Professor Tullio Ghi of Italy.

Professor Ghi is a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His work has been recognised by numerous international scientific organisations for achievements in prenatal diagnosis and fetal medicine. He serves as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Obstetric Pathology within the Women’s and Children’s Health Sciences Division at IRCCS Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.

The project is implemented by the AYALA Charity Foundation with the support of the Atyrau Regional Health Department as part of Tengizchevroil’s Social Investment Programme.

“Developing prenatal diagnostic services remains one of the key priorities for maternal and child healthcare in Atyrau Region. Today, our objective is not only to continue improving outcomes in reducing infant mortality, but also to enhance the early detection of congenital abnormalities and pregnancy-related risk factors. In this context, training ultrasound specialists under the guidance of a globally recognised expert is of significant practical value for the region. The knowledge gained through this programme will help physicians further strengthen the diagnosis of complex pregnancy cases and make more informed clinical decisions in the best interests of both mother and child,” said Kaisar Abdaliyev, Head of the Atyrau Regional Health Department.

The masterclass in expert prenatal diagnosis began at the Regional Perinatal Centre on 15 June and will continue through 19 June. Twenty-nine ultrasound physicians from all district public hospitals across Atyrau Region, the Regional Perinatal Centre, the Atyrau City Maternity Hospital and seven municipal outpatient clinics are participating.

“Further reducing maternal and infant mortality remains an important priority for the development of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system, as it directly reflects both regional social wellbeing and the quality of medical care available to the population. In this context, the AYALA Academy project, implemented in Atyrau Region through the Social Investment Programme, is of particular importance. It enables physicians working in public healthcare institutions to gain access to modern international practices and professional development opportunities without leaving the region. We are confident that initiatives of this kind will contribute to further improvements in healthcare quality for all residents of the region,” said Nurmukhamed Karatayev, General Manager for Government and Public Affairs at Tengizchevroil LLP.

During the course, participants will receive both theoretical and hands-on training in advanced diagnostic techniques covering topics of particular relevance to the region, including detailed fetal ultrasound assessment throughout the first, second and third trimesters, fetal neurosonography, and the diagnosis of congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities. The programme also covers invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures, advanced genetic testing, and key obstetric syndromes, including fetal growth restriction and placental abnormalities.

“The primary mission of our Foundation is to support the state in reducing disability from birth. That is why it is particularly important that ultrasound physicians from every district hospital in Atyrau Region are participating in this masterclass led by an expert from Italy. We see a strong demand among healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan for practical knowledge and international expertise. For the past fifteen years, we have been bringing leading practitioners to Kazakhstan who help shape modern approaches to medicine and diagnostics. Ultimately, the knowledge gained by physicians translates into lives saved and improved quality of life for children,” said Aidan Suleimenova, Founder and President of the AYALA Charity Foundation.

The AYALA Charity Foundation is the only charitable organisation in Kazakhstan specialising in neonatology. Over its 19 years of operation, the Foundation has mobilised and invested more than KZT 3.2 billion to equip 67 neonatal intensive care units in perinatal centres, children’s hospitals and research institutions with modern medical equipment, while providing educational opportunities to more than 2,700 neonatologists, intensive care specialists, ultrasound physicians, obstetricians and neonatal nurses.