Kazakhstan Launches International Young Health Programme, with Kozybayev University as Its First Host Institution

The programme is being implemented with the support of AstraZeneca, an international biopharmaceutical company, and the Just Support private foundation. Over the course of a year, it will include educational and preventive activities, professional development for specialists, and initiatives to engage students in promoting healthy lifestyles.

The official launch ceremony was attended by Sally Jane Axworthy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Kazakhstan; Stefan Eriksson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Kazakhstan; representatives of AstraZeneca and the Just Support Foundation; university leadership; and representatives of the North Kazakhstan Region Akimat, led by Deputy Akim Zhusup Zhumagulov.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, sent a congratulatory message on the launch of the programme, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships and the development of joint initiatives in science, education, and healthcare.

The cooperation gained momentum following a visit by a Kazakhstani delegation led by Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek to the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge in January 2026. The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, identifying disease prevention, early diagnosis, and the development of international educational initiatives as key priorities.

The programme focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Particular attention will be given to risk factors associated with nutrition, physical activity, and harmful habits.

“The role of a modern university is not only to provide high-quality knowledge and professional competencies, but also to create an environment in which every student feels safe, receives the support they need, and can take care of their physical and psychological well-being. We see the Young Health Programme as an opportunity to take our work to a new level, strengthen the university’s expertise, and engage young people themselves in fostering a culture of health,” said Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector of Kozybayev University.

The university operates the UniMed medical clinic and a psychological support service, and its Student Psychology Club has been active for five years. The new programme will bring these existing resources together with international expertise and expand the university’s preventive health initiatives.

Sally Jane Axworthy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom is evolving from educational exchanges to joint scientific research and innovation.

“It is particularly encouraging to see Kozybayev University participating in international research projects and cooperating with British academic partners,” she emphasized, expressing support for the initiative to improve the health of the younger generation.

Stefan Eriksson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the new challenges facing young people in an era of digitalization and rapid technological development.

“Innovation, technology, and digitalization create significant opportunities, but they also bring challenges that previous generations did not face. That is why it is important for young people to start thinking about their physical and psychological well-being at an early age, as well as about the habits that will affect their quality of life in the future,” the diplomat stressed.

Elena Trogova, General Director of AstraZeneca in Kazakhstan, emphasized that sustainable change begins with accessible knowledge, practical skills, and the active participation of young people themselves.

“By investing in young people’s knowledge, skills, and initiatives, we aim to help them make informed decisions about their health from an early age, reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases, and become advocates for positive change in their communities. Our partnership with the Just Support Foundation will bring together the programme’s international experience and an understanding of the needs of young people in Kazakhstan, creating a sustainable foundation for preventive health initiatives,” Elena Trogova said.

Svetlana Bogatyreva, Executive Director of the Just Support Foundation, noted that it is important not simply to talk about health, but to help young people understand how everyday habits affect their quality of life.

“It is important to us not merely to talk about health, but to help young people understand how their daily choices and habits affect their quality of life today and in the future. It is particularly valuable that the programme combines global experience with an understanding of the needs of young people in Kazakhstan and the specific features of our educational environment,” Svetlana Bogatyreva emphasized.

On the day of the launch, Kozybayev University and the Just Support Foundation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The document establishes a framework for joint efforts to implement preventive and educational initiatives, foster a culture of health, and improve the well-being of young people.

Zhusup Zhumagulov, Deputy Akim of North Kazakhstan Region, noted that the project is a pilot initiative of significance both for the region and for the country as a whole.

“We see this as an opportunity to establish a modern platform at the university for developing young people’s competencies in health, disease prevention, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Young people themselves should play a key role as advocates for healthy practices,” Zhusup Zhumagulov emphasized.

The regional Akimat is ready to support the implementation of the project and facilitate cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations.

AstraZeneca plans to allocate KZT 60 million to the programme through the Just Support Foundation. Planned activities include educational events, preventive health campaigns, professional development for specialists, research, and the development of practical tools for working with young people. Plans are also underway to launch a mobile laboratory to expand preventive and diagnostic services across the region.

The programme’s outcomes will be assessed based on student reach and engagement, changes in awareness of risk factors, and demand for support services. Successful practices are expected to be extended beyond the university to educational and social settings in Petropavl and throughout North Kazakhstan Region.

The Young Health Programme operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. Its launch at Kozybayev University marks a new stage in international partnership, bringing together the capabilities of the university, the private sector, the foundation, and regional authorities to promote the health and well-being of the younger generation.