On 10 September 2026, in Astana, Kazakhstan, a meeting was held at the office of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS) between Mr. Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFAS, and Mr. Robb Butler, WHO Special Representative for Climate Change and Health.
The meeting focused on discussing practical measures for cooperation between the two organizations within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in promoting health, well-being and environmental sustainability in the Aral Sea Basin, signed by the two organizations in Astana on 23 April 2026.
Mr. Robb Butler briefly outlined the activities planned through the end of 2026 under the Roadmap for Health and Well-being in the Aral Sea region, aimed at reducing environmental risks and strengthening health systems in the region.
The meeting also addressed the current situation in the Aral Sea Basin and opportunities for implementing project proposals, including “Ensuring Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation for the Population of the Aral Sea Basin” and “Improving the Quality of Healthcare Services”, as well as other socio-economic projects under Area 4 of the Fourth Aral Sea Basin Programme of Action (ASBP-4).
