Azhar Giniyat

Born in West Kazakhstan Province, Azhar graduated from Aktobe State Institute of Medicine with a degree in Paediatrics in 1992; she also holds diplomas in Local and State Governance (Yesenov University, Aktau)[3] and Business Administration (Almaty Management University МВА, 2015).[4]

Ms. Giniyat started her career in Atyrau in 1992 with a 2-year spell as a primary care paediatrician. In 1994 she moved to an Aktau primary healthcare unit where she progressed from an infectious disease doctor to head of the department. In 1999, she became a deputy chief physician at the Aktau Infectious Diseases Hospital. In 2005, Ms. Giniyat was appointed Director of the Department of Health of the Mangystau Province.[5] She has held various leadership positions in the healthcare industry since then. Ms. Giniyat served as deputy head of the Medical Center of the Administrative Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan from September 2017 until June 2020,[6] after that, she was appointed Vice Minister of Health.[7] Ms. Giniyat spearheaded a pro-vaccination campaign and delivered numerous related briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also proposed allocating funds from Qazaqstan Halqyna (social fund) towards treatment of children suffering from rare diseases.[2]

In January 2022, in her capacity of Minister of Health Ms. Giniyat joined Alikhan Smailov's cabinet as the only female minister in the new government.[8] She was re-appointed to that position in April 2023.[9][10]

• 2006 — Azhar Public Recognition of Kazakhstani Women's Contribution National Award for Public Administration;[11]
• 2010 — Contribution to the Development of Healthcare in Kazakhstan Badge (awarded by the MoH);[12]
• 2015 — 20 Years Medal of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan;[13]
• 2016 — 25 Years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan Medal;[14]
• 2021 — Order of Kurmet pursuant to a presidential decree;[15]
• 2022 — WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge Award.[16]