Kazakhstan has achieved a major public health milestone, becoming the first country in Central Asia to reach Maturity Level 3 (ML3) for the regulation of medicines and imported vaccines under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global classification of national regulatory authorities. This designation recognizes that the country has a stable, well-functioning and integrated regulatory system for medicines and imported vaccines that meets international standards.

“This milestone underscores Kazakhstan’s strong political commitment to building resilient health systems and ensuring timely access to safe, effective and quality-assured health products,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data. “By investing in regulatory capacity, the country is strengthening preparedness, advancing equitable access, and contributing to a more secure and interconnected global health landscape. Such efforts are essential to safeguarding public health, reinforcing global health security and advancing universal health coverage.”