From April 13 to 15, 2026, the School of Public Health of S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, together with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Care of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, organized and conducted a republican-level informational and educational event “Mental Health Week.” The initiative was led by the departments of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine.
The purpose of the event was, within the framework of SDG No. 3 “Good Health and Well-being,” to increase students’ awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, develop self-support skills, provide information on how to seek help, and foster a responsible attitude toward their own health.
The event was attended by representatives of S.D. Asfendiyarov KazNMU, the Kazakhstan-Russian Medical University, psychologists, faculty members, master’s students, and undergraduate students.
As part of the week, associate professors of the Department of Public Health of the School of Public Health of KazNMU — Aitmanbetova A.A. and Begimbetova G.A. — participated in the event. Third-year students of the H. Dosmukhamedov School of Public Health delivered a presentation on “Mental Health of Medical Students in Conditions of High Academic Load and Digital Environment.” In addition, Assistant Professor of the Department of Communication Skills, Absatarova Gulbanu Pernekulovna, conducted a training session for students on “Mental Health and Self-regulation.”
Interactive methods were widely used throughout the event: quizzes were organized to assess participants’ knowledge, and discussions were held on the importance of mental health.
In conclusion, the event contributed to the development of a health culture among students, increased the importance of preventive medicine, and improved awareness of mental health.
