Republican informational and educational event dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal 3: «Screening Programs in Kazakhstan: Effectiveness and Significance»

On March 17, 2026, Associate professors Akmaral Aitmanbetova and Gulshat Begimbetova from the Department of Public Health participated in a republican-level informational and educational event at the Faculty of Medicine and Health of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, titled «Screening Programs in Kazakhstan: Effectiveness and Significance». The event, organized by the Department of Epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine, was distinguished by its high level of organization, content richness, and practical relevance.

The primary objective of the event was to educate students on the importance of screening programs within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal №3 – «Good Health and Well-Being», to demonstrate the role of early disease detection, and to enhance students’ responsibility for their own health. Participants included representatives of S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, physicians from City Clinical Hospital №5, faculty members, master’s students, and undergraduate students.

The event also addressed the strategic significance of screening programs in improving population health, the necessity of a preventive approach in the modern healthcare system, an overview of screening programs in Kazakhstan, and specific examples of their effectiveness. Third-year students of the Public Health program, Amyna Nurkhaim and Eldana Orynbas, presented detailed analyses of the role of early diagnosis in promoting sustainable healthcare development, while fourth-year student Aierke Amir shared data on pediatric screening and its significance for disease prevention.

A highlight of the event was the presentation by Erkebulan Zhaksykhanov, Head of the city clinical hospital №5, who provided practical recommendations and emphasized key issues related to the implementation of screening programs in clinical practice.

The event incorporated interactive elements, including a quiz and a discussion platform, allowing participants to actively engage in dialogue on the importance of screening. Additionally, presentations by experienced faculty members provided valuable scientific and practical insights. In particular, the speakers included Associate Professors Akmaral Aitmanbetova and Gulshat Begimbetova of Department of Public health, KazNMU, Head of the Department of Epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine Aliya Ualieva of KazNU, Senior Lecturer Gulbanu Arynova, and Associate Professor Farida Iskakova of Department of Epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine. All presentations emphasized the strategic role of screening programs and the necessity of strengthening preventive measures within the healthcare system.

At the conclusion of the event, the most active students and master’s students were awarded certificates. Participation in this event provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and reaffirmed that preventive medicine and screening programs are essential tools for maintaining population health, while fostering a culture of health among students remains a fundamental component of our work.