YHP Kazakhstan
Location
Petropavl, North Kazakhstan.
Timing
2026 - 2027
The local context
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease and cancer, are a major health challenge in Kazakhstan. National efforts focus on prevention, early detection and treatment, alongside measures to address tobacco use and unhealthy diets.1
Tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol and insufficient physical activity increase the risk of NCDs.2
YHP Kazakhstan supports young people as they move into university life, combining practical skills, peer support and opportunities to be more active.
Our objectives
To help young people aged 17–21 develop lasting healthy habits and reduce behavioural risk factors that can lead to NCDs in later life.
Our programme
YHP Kazakhstan is delivered in partnership with Just Support and M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University through four areas of activity:
- Building knowledge and skills. Focusing on healthy living, disease awareness and diagnosis, and the prevention of tobacco, alcohol and drug use, education sessions build young people’s understanding of NCD risk factors. Practical exercises in managing emotions and responding to everyday pressures support their mental wellbeing.
- Supporting peer learning. Students trained as Peer Educators lead small-group sessions, challenges and health awareness activities, with ongoing guidance from specialists.
- Encouraging physical activity. A dedicated workout area gives young people space to exercise, while body composition assessments help them understand their physical health.
- Creating a supportive environment. The Programme builds links with local health and addiction services. Teachers and other staff receive training in recognising early signs of risk, motivational counselling and basic psychological support.
AstraZeneca employees will support the Programme through volunteering.
Our targets
In the first 12 months, we aim to:
- Reach more than 2,000 young people, with at least 30% of the university’s students taking part in at least one programme activity.
- Train a core group of 20 trainers and coordinators, including university staff and student Peer Educators, and provide advanced training for at least 10 university staff.
- Deliver 30 sessions and activities led by Peer Educators.
Surveys at the start and end of the first 12 months assess changes in young people’s health knowledge, habits and physical activity, helping to improve the programme.
Our partners
Just Support is a non-profit foundation in Kazakhstan working to create safe, supportive environments through psychological counselling, education, training and advocacy.
Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University is a multidisciplinary university in Petropavl and a centre for education, science and culture in northern Kazakhstan.
