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