LocationsHealth Comes First: Belarus Puts Healthcare at the Heart of its Sustainable Development Agenda
April 18, 2025
In Belarus, a comprehensive and integrated approach to public health seeks to address the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape the quality of life, both for society at large and for each individual.
Over the past five years, Belarus has faced significant public health challenges, which have only affirmed the necessity of this strategy. From overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftermath to fighting HIV and tuberculosis, tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and preventing life-threatening conditions, these have issues become key areas of cooperation between the state, international organizations, and civil society.
Thanks to concerted efforts, Belarus has returned to pre-pandemic health indicators, strengthened the resilience of its healthcare system, and bolstered its preparedness for future epidemiological threats.
To a large extent, these advancements were made possible by the extensive modernization of the healthcare system. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, UNDP has provided more than 150 hospitals across the country with state-of-the-art medical equipment, covering all regional centers and over 100 district hospitals. In total, more than 3,300 units of advanced equipment were delivered to public health institutions, significantly boosting their capacity to provide quality care.
Another key priority is the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their complications, including cases of multimorbidity when multiple chronic conditions occur simultaneously. The growing prevalence of rare and orphan diseases equally demands innovative treatment and specialized medical equipment.
At the same time, Belarus is witnessing a steady rise in autoimmune disorders, endocrine conditions, mental health issues, and diseases affecting the nervous system.
Since 2022, the number of new cases of endocrine diseases has increased by 22% annually, while the incidence of nervous and autoimmune diseases has risen by over 10% each year.
The number of people in Belarus receiving disability benefits for the first time is also growing. In 2023, this figure was 7% higher than in 2022, with most new disabilities resulting from circulatory system diseases and neoplasms. For every 10,000 people, there are 70.7 cases of newly diagnosed disability, 39% of which are linked to circulatory system diseases, while 25% are due to neoplasms.
To strengthen public health, it is essential to consider the gender and age-specific trends of morbidity and mortality, while also developing and implementing tailored measures to reduce disease rates across the entire life cycle.
In Belarus, particular attention is paid to the epidemiological management of pregnant women and newborns. The country has virtually eliminated the risk of HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to child, provided the mother adheres to antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy. Much of this progress can be attributed to the availability of modern treatments for HIV-infected pregnant women, regular screenings, psychosocial support for expectant mothers, alongside improvements in the legal framework to ensure adherence to HIV treatment.
In 2016, Belarus received WHO certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, becoming one of the first countries to achieve this milestone. In 2024, with support from UNDP, Belarus prepared a national report on revalidating the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as well as validating progress in eliminating hepatitis C transmission.
As part of the revalidation process, the Ministry of Health, supported by UNDP, has refined the country’s approach to criminal law regarding HIV and proposed legal measures to enhance treatment adherence, while experts have developed an Information Strategy to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
Belarus may become the first country in the world to confirm the triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis from mother to child.
UNDP will continue to support Belarus in strengthening its HIV and tuberculosis prevention and treatment systems until 2027, providing antiretroviral therapy and securing medications to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.
High mortality rate among working-age men remains a persistent issue. On average, men in Belarus live 10 years less than women, with heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and other diseases being the leading causes of death. Addressing this disparity requires promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing risky behaviours, and raising awareness about the importance of seeking timely medical care.
According to a STEPS study conducted as part of the UNDP's BELMED project, 66% of people aged 45-69 have three or more risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. UNDP will continue to work on reducing the prevalence of NCDs and their complications, taking into account regional, gender, and age-specific characteristics.
Between 2026 and 2027, an Interregional Centre for Specialized and High-Tech Medical Assistance will be established in one of the regions most affected by the Chernobyl disaster. This will enable a timely and high-quality response to public health needs, adhering to the golden hour principle in life-threatening conditions.
In the next five years, a comprehensive approach to improving public health will be at the core of UNDP's work, with key priorities including enhancing medical literacy, promoting healthy lifestyles, implementing modern diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation methods, as well as expanding digital technologies in healthcare. Special focus will be placed on ensuring access to effective medications, targeted treatments for rare and orphan diseases, and improving mental health.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and patients with HIV or tuberculosis, will receive particular support. To achieve maximum impact, UNDP will foster partnerships between government agencies, healthcare institutions, and civil society organizations.
Belarus’ experience demonstrates that effective, holistic public health care relies on intersectoral collaboration and alignment with national priorities - not only in healthcare, but also in the broader context of the country’s sustainable development.
Related
content
content
