Kazakhstan has potential to develop its own monkeypox vaccine
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When asked whether the Institute is equipped to develop a vaccine against monkeypox, Ms Zakaria said, "Boasting vast experience in working with smallpox viruses and creating vaccines against it, the Institute is ready and has the potential to carry out research aimed at the development of a vaccine effective at protecting against monkeypox."
However, for this to happen, the Institute will need a well-funded program supported by the Government.
Amid rising number of monkeypox cases around the world, no traces of the virus have so far been detected in Kazakhstan.
It bears to remind that Kazakhstan is one of the few countries in the world with its own anti-COVID vaccine - QazVac - developed by the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems.
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Kazakhstan reports decline in flu, surge in measles cases
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The Kazakh Healthcare Ministry reported that acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) have decreased countrywide compared to the last season, though measles cases continue to rise, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Since September 1, 2025, Kazakhstan has registered 3,332,252 ARVI cases, down 10% from the same period last year, the Kazakh Healthcare Ministry said.
3,018 flu cases, including 2,958 Influenza A (H3N2) cases, 53 Influenza A (H1N1), and seven Influenza B cases were laboratory-confirmed.
2.27 million people (11.13% of the population) have been vaccinated against flu, in line with WHO recommendations.
Schools continue operating normally, with student illness rates below 20% per class.
At the same time, measles cases have been reported in 19 regions except the city of Shymkent, with 80% of infections among those unvaccinated. Notably, 58% of children affected were unvaccinated due to parental refusal. The Ministry stressed that vaccination remains the only effective prevention.
Parents are urged to check children’s immunization records and seek vaccinations according to the National Immunization Schedule.
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Brussels Marked the 95th Anniversary of Mukagali Makataev with a Poetry Event
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A poetic event marking the 95th anniversary of the birth of Mukagali Makatayev, a prominent figure of 20th century Kazakh poetry, was held at the Kazakh Cultural Center in Brussels, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event was organized in the format of an open poetry class and brought together children and adults studying the Kazakh language and culture in Belgium. As part of the program, poems by the poet were recited and songs based on his verses were performed. Makatayev’s works were presented in Kazakh, French, English, and Dutch, reflecting the growing international interest in his literary legacy.
In a warm and informal atmosphere, participants exchanged views on the role of poetry as a means of cultural dialogue and the transmission of values between generations and cultures.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts to promote the Kazakh language and literature in Belgium and demonstrated that Mukagali Makatayev’s poetic heritage continues to resonate within a multicultural and multilingual environment.
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Brucellosis cases up in Akmola region
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Children under the age of 14 and teenagers are among those infected, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to Akmola region’s chief state sanitary doctor, Serik Omarhanov, 15 cases of human brucellosis were recorded in the region over the 12 months of 2025. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of five cases, or 33.3%.
Cases among children under 14 were registered in the town of Kosshy. Among adolescents, infections were recorded in the Yereymentau district and the city of Kokshetau," the official said.
The suspected source of infection was contact with farm animals kept in private households that tested positive for brucellosis.
A total of 32 contact persons were identified across the region, all of whom underwent serological testing for brucellosis. Two contacts-in Kosshy and the Ereymentau district-tested positive and were diagnosed with brucellosis.
The region also saw a rise in reported animal bite cases over the 12-month period in 2025. Compared with the same period in 2024, the number of people affected increased by 544 cases, or 21.9%.
In total, 2,481 people sought medical assistance over the past year, with the largest share of cases reported in Kokshetau, accounting for 24.1%. In the regional center alone, 600 cases were registered in 2025, including 194 cases among children and adolescents (32.3%) and 406 cases among adults (67.6%).
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Kazakhstan to introduce new direct railway route
Residents of the Kazakh capital and the Zhetysu region will soon be able to travel directly between Astana and Taldykorgan, as a new rail link is set to be launched, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The new route is being launched by Passenger Transportation JSC in cooperation with the Kazakh Ministry of Transport.
The decision was made in response to public appeals and through joint efforts with deputies of the Majilis and the relevant authorities. The main goal is to improve regional transport accessibility and meet the growing demand for passenger travel," the company’s press service said.
The launch of the direct service will allow residents to travel comfortably and safely between the capital and the region without complicated transfers. The new route is also expected to stimulate business activity, strengthen socio-economic ties, and enhance population mobility.
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