On August 3, 2025, a large-scale sanitary campaign was held in two densely populated districts of Shymkent - Yenbekshinsky and Turansky - with the participation of utility workers, representatives of district akimats and local governments. In addition to disinfection work, active explanatory work was carried out among the population on issues of sanitary hygiene and prevention of infectious diseases.

The initiative was aimed not only at maintaining cleanliness and improving the sanitary condition of courtyard areas, but also at developing a responsible attitude among city residents towards their own health and the sanitary safety of others. Sanitation service employees treated courtyards, public areas, entrances, playgrounds, and areas adjacent to private homes. Modern disinfectants that are safe for humans and animals were used for the treatment.

On this day, special attention was paid to working with the population. Sanitary service specialists and representatives of district administrations held talks with residents, explained why regular treatment is necessary, in which cases it is worth seeking help from sanitary services, and what measures can be taken at home. Memos with step-by-step instructions on sanitary prevention were distributed, including safe storage of waste, ventilation of premises, cleaning with antiseptic solutions and the importance of personal hygiene.

A distinctive feature of the campaign was that it was accompanied by a live dialogue with residents. Many showed interest, asked questions, and were interested in how to properly treat basements, garages, and sheds. In response, specialists explained that, for example, in the summer, it is especially important to treat for rodents and insects, since it is during this season that the risk of contracting infectious diseases increases.

This approach distinguishes the current campaign from events held in previous years. For example, in 2024, disinfection raids were also carried out in Shymkent, but they were mainly technical work without involving the public. Often, sanitary services carried out treatment at night or in the absence of residents, which reduced the effect of public awareness. Moreover, not everyone knew that their yard had been treated, and perceived it as a one-time, formal procedure.

Even earlier, in 2023, disinfection work was most often carried out in the context of emergency responses to outbreaks of infections, with the focus on hospitals, educational institutions and markets. The private sector was often neglected, which led to criticism from residents.

The August 3 campaign was a new format that combined technical and information components. It was a step towards the conscious participation of residents themselves in matters of sanitary safety. It is important that sanitary services began to actively use a language understandable to the population - not medical terminology, but simple, visual explanations and practical advice. Thus, people began to understand that treatment is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for preventing the spread of diseases, especially in hot weather and dense urban development.

Social networks also played their role: residents shared photos and impressions of the event, noted the organization, friendliness of specialists and the usefulness of the explanatory work. There were also proposals from city residents to organize such meetings at least once a month and expand the geography of coverage to other microdistricts and settlements on the outskirts of the city.

The organizers themselves note that this event is not a one-time campaign, but part of a broader approach to improving sanitary culture in Shymkent. The plans include continuing such events, taking into account seasonal risks and expanding the subject matter: in addition to disinfection, measures are also planned to combat unauthorized dumps, separate waste collection, prevent insect and rodent bites, and teach the basics of first aid for poisoning and infections.

Such initiatives are especially relevant in the conditions of the climatic features of Southern Kazakhstan, where high air temperatures and limited access to central sewerage in certain areas can contribute to the spread of infections. Combining technical treatment with education of residents helps not only to improve sanitary conditions, but also to form a culture of hygienic behavior.

The result of the campaign was not only the cleaning of dozens of courtyards and public places, but also an increase in the level of awareness among the population. People felt their involvement, the importance of their own contribution to the common cause, which makes such events especially effective in the long term.

Thus, on August 3, Shymkent hosted not just a sanitary campaign, but a full-fledged event to create a healthy urban environment. And if this approach is continued, it can become a sustainable model for preventing sanitary risks in urban conditions.