On May 16, 2026, the First Social Talks in Karaganda dedicated to promoting a culture of reproductive health care and the prevention of gynecological disorders, in observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, was held at Karaganda Medical University. The event was organized as part of the project “Formation of Hygiene Skills to Maintain and Strengthen Reproductive Health in Teenage Girls”, funded by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (Washington, USA) under the global grant program “This is Public Health”.



The First Social Talks became an important platform for open and informal dialogue between teenage girls and professionals in public health and gynecology, providing opportunities for sharing experience and the development of health habits aimed at maintaining and strengthening the reproductive health of future generations. The participants were divided into 2 streams depending on their age and the topics under consideration: the younger subgroup for girls from grades 5 to 8 and the older subgroup for girls from grades 9 to 11. A total of 140 teenage girls took part in the event. The program included interactive games, simulating real-life situations, relay activities, and practical tasks. We worked out with girls the skills of hand hygiene, what to focus on when choosing pads, rules for the use and disposal of hygiene products, compliance with sleep and wakefulness – “why is this important?”. In addition to these issues, we considered with the elder group the prevention of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. At the conclusion of the event, participants received souvenirs bearing the logo of the Kazakhstan Association on Sexual & Reproductive Health, as well as certificates branded with the “This is Public Health” global grant program logo of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health. In addition, teachers and school managements were awarded letters of gratitude also branded with the “This is Public Health” logo.



We express our gratitude to all participants, teachers, and school managements, as well as to the Departments of Education of Karaganda and the Abai District, for their interest, active participation, and effective cooperation.
We look forward to welcoming all teenage girls to the Second Social Talks dedicated to Menstrual Hygiene Day in May 2027.



Sincerely, the team of the Kazakhstan project “This is Public Health”: A.O. Omarova, Ya.G. Turdybekova, U.E. Kuandyk, A.Zh. Bolatbek, G.M. Zhylkaidar.