Astana hosts a discussion on evolving approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases

On September 11, Astana hosted the XXI Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, “Pediatrics Today: Revisiting Standards and New Opportunities,” dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Department of Childhood Diseases No. 3 at Astana Medical University.

The conference was organized by the Public Association “Association of Pediatricians of Astana”, with the participation of Astana Medical University and the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together more than 200 pediatricians, researchers, medical university faculty members and young specialists from Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Russia and Uzbekistan.

The plenary session, “New Opportunities in Modern Pediatrics,” focused on the current state and future development of pediatric healthcare in Kazakhstan, micronutrient support for children, modern approaches to the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases, the latest advances in pediatric allergology, and opportunities for personalized therapy for diseases of the digestive system.

A special part of the programme was the Kazakhstan–Türkiye Pediatric Forum. Leading Turkish specialists presented modern clinical approaches to the diagnosis and management of arthritis and arthralgia, periodic fever syndromes, seizure disorders and respiratory distress syndrome in children. The programme also addressed the use of vitamin D and the differential diagnosis of diseases accompanied by skin rashes.

The conference continued with thematic symposia focusing on “The Healthy Child: Nutrition, Prevention and Early Development,” “The Complex Pediatric Patient: A Multidisciplinary Approach,” and “The Multifaceted Nature of Pediatrics in Central Asia and Neighboring Countries: International Exchange of Experience and Clinical Practices.”

Participants discussed a wide range of issues, including breastfeeding, early childhood development, the gut microbiota, allergic diseases, respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis in children. Particular attention was paid to the rational use of antibacterial medicines, preservation of the microbiota, and the implementation of antibiotic stewardship principles in pediatric practice.

The presentations were strongly practice-oriented. Experts examined complex clinical cases, modern diagnostic algorithms and ways to translate research findings into the everyday work of pediatricians and general practitioners.

The conference was not only a major scientific event but also an important part of the 25th-anniversary programme of the Department of Childhood Diseases No. 3. Over the past 25 years, the Department has developed strong traditions in clinical training, postgraduate education, research and the introduction of modern technologies into pediatric healthcare.

“The 25th anniversary of the Department is not only an opportunity to look back and assess what has been achieved, but also a chance to define new directions. Modern pediatrics requires continuous knowledge development, multidisciplinary cooperation and open international dialogue. Our shared task is to make the latest scientific advances accessible to every physician and translate them into better health outcomes for children,” said Sagира Abdrakhmanova, MD, PhD, President of the Public Association “Association of Pediatricians of Astana” and Head of the Department of Childhood Diseases No. 3 at Astana Medical University.