(Original article published by WHO Regional Office for Europe)

Kazakhstan is on track to achieve the global target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025. Currently, however, it has one of the highest rates of premature mortality in the WHO European Region. In 2013, the main causes of years of life lost due to premature death in Kazakhstan were ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and self-harm. Dietary risks, high systolic blood pressure and high body mass index are the highest ranked risk factors for disease burden, measured in disability-adjusted life years.

To tackle this burden of non-communicable diseases, Kazakhstan is investing in the transformation of its primary care services to become more people-centred and integrated.

For the full photo story, please visit the WHO Regional Office for Europe webpage: http://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/kazakhstan/news/news/2017/08/transforming-primary-care-services-in-kazakhstan