A Poisons Information Center, "KazToxBase," has been inaugurated at the Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise of the Medical Center under the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan. This initiative is part of the EU CBRN CoE Project 87 on the safety of mass gatherings, funded by the EU and implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).

The opening ceremony featured representatives from the ISTC Governing Board. The ribbon was cut by Ms. Lyudmila Byurbekova from the Medical Center under the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Maria Rosa Sabatelli from the European Commission's Foreign Policy Instruments Service.

Ms. Saule Sharipova, Director of the Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise, stated that the new center will operate based on TOXBASE, the clinical toxicology database of the UK National Poisons Information Service. "The center will provide consultative assistance to patients and medical professionals on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chemical poisonings, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. It will also enhance the qualifications of medical workers in Kazakhstan by training them in best international practices," said Ms. Sharipova.

The establishment of this new center is expected to significantly reduce the burden on hospitals by improving the management of chemical poisoning cases and providing critical support and training to healthcare professionals.

Background information:

The EU CBRN CoE Initiative is funded by the EU and implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). The European External Action Service is also involved in the follow-up to the initiative. The initiative is developed with the technical support of relevant international and regional organizations, the EU Member States, and other stakeholders, through coherent and effective cooperation at the national, regional and international level. The initiative involves 62 countries in eight regions across the world.

EU CBRN CoE Project 87 is implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), Astana, Kazakhstan. This project focuses on enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for mass gatherings and public health emergencies. The project has been underway for more than three years and formed a network of experts in Food Safety, Water Safety, Chemical Safety and Public Health Command Control and Communications (C3).