Since gaining independence nearly three decades ago, Kazakhstan has become Central Asia’s largest economy. However, it still faces challenges, including inefficient industries, deteriorating air and water quality, a restricted media environment, limited civic participation in governance, and an aging public health system. USAID helps improve health services, increase civic engagement, promote the rule of law, diversify the economy, modernize the energy sector, and strengthen water resource management.

USAID partners with the Government of Kazakhstan to improve prevention, care and treatment services for HIV/AIDS, TB, and COVID-19.

USAID is working to improve Kazakhstan’s capacity to prevent and treat multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), an emerging public health threat. As a result of a successful pilot project in which USAID introduced 50 American rapid testing machines that diagnose multidrug-resistant TB in hours instead of months, the Government of Kazakhstan is now expanding the use of this technology nationwide. USAID also supports expanded outpatient treatment, which plays a vital role in preventing transmission.

Through our HIV/AIDS programming, USAID has worked to support Kazakhstan’s steady progress towards the 90-90-90 UNAIDS goals. With resources targeted towards vulnerable populations in East Kazakhstan, USAID works to ensure that HIV-positive individuals have access to effective treatment and support services.

USAID also assists the Government of Kazakhstan in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, working to strengthen the capacity of laboratories and medical facilities and improve risk communication to reduce the spread of the disease.

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

With USAID’s support, Kazakhstan has developed a community of civil society organizations that provide critical services to the population. USAID assistance contributed to the Government’s recognition of the importance of a solid legal foundation to ensure access to information and the collaboration with civil society on drafting the Access to Information legislation. Current USAID initiatives include countering human trafficking, supporting civil society activists, developing local independent media outlets, and assisting the Supreme Court in improving managerial and administrative capacity.

Economic Development

USAID supports the Government of Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its economy and increase regional business and trade connections. Through its regional connectivity efforts, USAID supports economic cooperation among countries in Central Asia while building linkages with the United States, Afghanistan, and beyond.

USAID’s efforts in Central Asia are focused in three main sectors which are foundational for regional economic growth: trade and enterprise development, energy, and environment, including transboundary water management. USAID helps strengthen Kazakhstan’s renewable energy policies, improve energy efficiency, and increase renewable energy supply. USAID also works with domestic and regional non-governmental organizations to support the sustainable management of cross-border water resources.