Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASTANA1717
2008-09-10 11:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Astana
Cable title:  

KAZAKHSTAN ESTH UPDATE, AUGUST 2008

Tags:  ECON SENV ENRG EPET KZ 
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VZCZCXRO9426
RR RUEHLN RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHTA #1717 2541101
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101101Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY ASTANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3241
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE 0630
RUEHAST/USOFFICE ALMATY 0711
UNCLAS ASTANA 001717 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SENV ENRG EPET KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN ESTH UPDATE, AUGUST 2008

UNCLAS ASTANA 001717

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON SENV ENRG EPET KZ
SUBJECT: KAZAKHSTAN ESTH UPDATE, AUGUST 2008


1. Summary: This information is drawn primarily from the
Kazakhstani press and has not been verified. The opinions expressed
in this report, therefore, should not be interpreted as official
positions and/or policy of the U.S. Government.

-- AIDS Center Calls for HIV/AIDS Testing of Foreigners
-- Infant Mortality Doubles in South Kazakhstan
-- Almaty Mayor Criticizes Municipal Health Authorities
-- East Kazakhstan Suffers from Wildfires
-- Hi-Tech Greenhouse in South Kazakhstan
-- Temporary Import Ban on Russian Pigs and Pork
-- Livestock Poisoning in Karaganda Oblast

AIDS Center Calls for HIV/AIDS Testing of Foreigners
-------------- --------------


2. Interfax reported on August 14 that the Almaty AIDS Center
called for mandatory testing of foreign visitors for HIV/AIDS and
requested assistance from the Kazakhstani migration police to carry
out this effort. According to representatives of the AIDS Center,
30 percent of HIV- infected individuals in Almaty are foreigners,
but there is currently no law obliging foreigners to undergo medical
evaluations for HIV/AIDS.

Infant Mortality Doubles in South Kazakhstan
--------------


3. KTK TV reported on August 19 that the infant mortality rate in
South Kazakhstan oblast (region) had nearly doubled between 2007 and

2008. South Kazakhstan health authorities acknowledged that in the
majority of cases, infant deaths were caused by doctors' negligence
and lack of oversight over doctors' performance.

Almaty Mayor Criticizes Municipal Health Authorities
-------------- --------------


4. Express-K and Litr reported on August 14 about a government
meeting where Almaty mayor Akhmetzhan Yesimov criticized the
performance of municipal health authorities. The meeting was
organized following a large-scale inspection of city hospitals,
which revealed numerous violations and resulted in 59 fines and one
administrative lawsuit. Almaty residents have repeatedly complained
about shortages of doctors, poor health standards, and medical
corruption. Despite significantly increased funding for 2008, local
health authorities have not demonstrated improved performance.

East Kazakhstan Suffers from Wildfires
--------------


5. Megapolis reported on August 18 about a series of wildfires in
East Kazakhstan oblast caused by an excessively dry summer, as well
as by negligent handling of flammable substances. As of August 18,
342 fires had been registered in East Kazakhstan covering a total
area of 2113 hectares. No human causalities have been recorded.

Hi-Tech Greenhouse in South Kazakhstan
--------------


6. Liter and Megapolis reported on August 22 about the ceremonial
presentation of the first "hi-tech greenhouse" in South Kazakhstan.
The greenhouse incorporates Israeli drop irrigation technology and
was funded by the state-owned KazAgroFinance company. According to
a KazAgroFinance representative, the company is considering other
greenhouse projects costing up to $75 million. Following the
presentation, Kazakhstani agricultural producers attended a
conference to meet with greenhouse manufacturers from Israel,
Turkey, the Netherlands, and Russia.

Temporary Import Ban on Russian Pigs and Pork
--------------


7. Interfax reported on July 30 that West Kazakhstan oblast
authorities had imposed a temporary ban on the import of Russian
pigs and pork and a 30-day ban on pork sales due to an outbreak of
African swine fever in neighboring regions of Russia.

Livestock Poisoning in Karaganda Oblast
--------------


8. Karavan reported on August 15 about a livestock poisoning
incident in Karaganda oblast leading to the deaths of 48 animals.
An investigation showed that the livestock drank water from
unprotected pools which contained residues of chemical substances
originating from an explosives production plant. The plant's
management promised to pay damages to the owners of the poisoned
livestock.

ORDWAY