Afghan Health Minister seeks Kazakhstan’s support amid regional infrastructure push

Afghanistan and Kazakhstan are set to strengthen their relationship as Kabul presses for enhanced health-sector cooperation as part of a broader bilateral push which includes infrastructure, trade and humanitarian aid ties.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Kabul, Gaziz Akbasov on Thursday (21 August) in the Afghan capital, and discussed key topics such as healthcare worker training, extending services to remote areas, supplying medical equipment, and exchanging expertise in controlling communicable diseases.

The Minister emphasised that Afghanistan is building general hospitals in 318 districts “to reduce the deaths of mothers and children and to provide standard and equal health services to all citizens”, according to the Ministry’s press release. He urged Kazakhstan to supply equipment for new health centres or invest in hospital construction, particularly in northern provinces.

Ambassador Akbasov acknowledged Afghanistan as a “friendly country” and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue health-sector cooperation, committing to training Afghan health professionals and dispatching technical teams.

This health-sector initiative fits within a wider pattern of growing ties. Earlier this year, Kazakhstan pledged increased humanitarian support, improvements in Afghan access to medical services, doubled scholarships for Afghan students, and expanded food security efforts. Kazakhstan also announced plans to expand trade, boosting exports of agricultural, industrial goods, and fuels, and to invest in the Turghundi–Herat railway to enhance regional connectivity. 

Reports confirm Kazakhstan’s aim to raise bilateral trade to U.S. $ 3 billion annually by deepening transport, agriculture, and digital infrastructure cooperation. Additional transportation talks include establishing direct flights between Kabul and Astana and formalising international road transport agreements. 

Previously, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu visited Kabul in July to discuss the Trans‑Afghan railway and infrastructure cooperation. 

Kazakhstan’s humanitarian support extends to food aid, medical supply deliveries, and educational access programmes. This aligns with their ongoing advocacy for regional stability and development goals, such as support for a United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty, envisioned to serve Central Asia and Afghanistan. 

The health meeting underscores a critical need as Afghanistan remains one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in Asia. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and partnerships is vital say authorities. Analysts argue that Kazakhstan’s support could yield lasting benefits amid dwindling international aid.

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