From April 28 to 30, 2026, Almaty hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Modern Pathways for the Development of Mental Health Services in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Mental Health and the 90th anniversary of the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology named after Professor G.I. Salzman at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University.
The conference brought together leading experts in psychiatry, narcology, psychotherapy, clinical psychology, and public health from Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and other countries. The scientific program addressed current challenges in mental health care, digital transformation of psychiatric services, innovative approaches to the treatment of mental disorders, prevention of addictions and suicidal behavior, as well as interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
Special attention during the conference was given to addiction medicine, prevention strategies, and the growing spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS). A dedicated session focused on the activities of ISSUP Kazakhstan, aimed at advancing evidence-based approaches in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation related to substance use disorders.
On April 30, 2026, within the “Psychiatry and Narcology” section, Nadezhda Cherchenko, ISSUP Kazakhstan Coordinator, delivered a presentation entitled: “New Psychoactive Substances in Kazakhstan: Contemporary Challenges, Epidemiological Trends, and the Role of ISSUP Kazakhstan in Advancing Evidence-Based Prevention.”
The presentation highlighted current international and regional data on the spread of new psychoactive substances, emerging trends in the synthetic drug market, associated public health risks, and modern international standards for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.
During the conference, the ISSUP Kazakhstan team conducted extensive work to promote the mission and strategic priorities of ISSUP within the international professional community. Nadezhda Cherchenko and ISSUP Kazakhstan Specialist Zhaniya Seksenova presented the activities of the National Chapter aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of specialists, implementing evidence-based approaches in prevention and treatment systems, expanding international cooperation, and promoting the principles of evidence-based medicine in the fields of mental health and addiction care.
Representatives of ISSUP Kazakhstan actively participated in professional discussions, interdisciplinary exchange of experience, and networking with international experts, emphasizing the importance of consolidating scientific and professional efforts in response to the modern challenges associated with new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs, and related psychosocial risks.
Participation of ISSUP Kazakhstan in the international conference became an important platform for strengthening professional partnerships, promoting evidence-based practices, and enhancing Kazakhstan’s role within the global expert community in the field of addiction prevention and treatment.
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