Contraceptive prevalence increased from 26 per cent in 1991 to 40 per cent in 1997 among all women of reproductive age. The largest declines were seen among women in the older age groups. According to government sources, including the Ministry of Health, abortion continues to be practised as a means of fertility regulation, and women under the age of 20 account for 10 per cent of all abortions. Infant mortality levels increased by 6 per cent from 1990 to 1995 and, thereafter, began to decline, reaching a level of 24.9 per 1,000 live births in 1997. The maternal mortality ratio, which was 77 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1997, has shown little improvement in recent years.
Rural women are at greater risk of maternal death than are urban women.
The status of women is protected by laws and decrees intended to ensure equality and equity. However, poor economic performance and rising unemployment are adversely affecting the socio-economic and reproductive health status of women and girls. The incidence of violence against women warrants further research. This is the Fund's first programme of assistance to Kazakhstan. The goal of the national development programme is to improve the health, education and well-being of all citizens and, by the year 2030, to have attained a population compatible with the sustainable human development of the country.