Panel Session — “Protecting Future Generations: Health at the Center of the Ecological Agenda – Lessons and Solutions from the Aral Sea Region”

As part of the Regional Ecological Summit, a session was organized focusing on the issue of the drying of the Aral Sea. The event brought together Ministers of Health from Central Asian countries, heads of relevant agencies, and representatives of international organizations to discuss the critical link between environmental conditions and public well-being.

Chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, Katrín Jakobsdottir, and WHO Special Representative on Climate and Health, Robb Butler, visited the ecological disaster zone and shared their observations.

“The impact of this catastrophe on public health has been extremely widespread. People have been breathing dust containing pesticides and salt. As a result, there has been an increase in cancer and respiratory diseases. UNICEF reports that up to 50% of children suffer from chronic respiratory conditions. Cases of anemia are 2.5 times higher among children in the Aral Sea region compared to other areas, and 2.7 times higher among women. 85% of pregnant women suffer from anemia. Mental health issues are also emerging due to the prevalence of oncological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases,” noted Robb Butler.

He also announced that the WHO is launching a roadmap with unprecedented political support.

“Up to 70% of all diseases in Karakalpakstan are waterborne. We will work to improve water quality in healthcare facilities, enhance air quality monitoring, and establish a toxicology center,” said Robb Butler.

Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aida Balayeva, also confirmed WHO data, noting that the ecological crisis has significantly affected public health.

“In just a few decades, the sea has lost more than 90% of its volume, leading to the destruction of natural ecosystems and serious socio-economic consequences for millions of people. Today, we see that the consequences of this tragedy go far beyond ecology — including rising disease rates, declining quality of life, and the loss of traditional sources of income,” said Aida Balayeva.

The session was organized with the aim of building political consensus on addressing ecological health risks in the Aral and Caspian Sea regions, as well as developing coordinated approaches to health and ecological issues.

The organizers’ priority objectives included promoting the Roadmap “Healthy Future in the Aral Sea Region,” expanding regional dialogue to the Caspian countries—primarily Azerbaijan—and strengthening intersectoral and cross-border cooperation.