The Invisible Front: Anti-Epidemic Commissions and the Struggle Against Infectious Diseases in the Kazakh SSR During the War Years (1941–1945)

Authors

R. Zharkynbayeva Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8560-1654
А. Abdiraiymova ALT University, Almaty, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7896-418X
А. Zhanabay Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, al-Farabi, Almaty, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3411-1458

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/3080-129X-2025-153-4-129-146

Keywords:

Kazakhstan, war, healthcare, migration, social infrastructure, sanitation system, epidemics

Abstract

This article explores the specific features of Soviet healthcare during the Second World War by analysing one of its key components — the fight against infectious diseases. Wars and other large-scale social disruptions often led to outbreaks and the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Providing proper medical and sanitary services to the general population, and particularly to workers in industries of strategic importance to the front, was among the highest priorities of Soviet healthcare in the rear. Based on a wide range of archival materials and published sources, some of which are introduced into scholarly circulation for the first time, this study identifies the main factors that contributed to the deterioration of the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Kazakh SSR during 1941–1945. The authors analyse state measures aimed at maintaining minimal sanitary conditions, controlling infection spread, and preserving labour resources essential for wartime. Special attention is devoted to the role of medical institutions, sanitary-epidemiological services, and the party and Soviet administrative bodies of the republic, which coordinated and unified all available efforts in the fight against epidemics. The contribution of scientific and research institutions, particularly the Kazakh Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, is highlighted for its work in preventing highly contagious diseases and in the localization and elimination of infection outbreaks. Due to resource shortages, local populations were actively involved in sanitary measures, while the supervisory role of judicial and law enforcement agencies was significantly strengthened. Despite the severe wartime conditions, endemic plague regions, and limited social infrastructure, the Kazakh SSR successfully avoided mass epidemics. The study emphasizes that this achievement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of state, medical, and research institutions. This article is dedicated to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and honours the selfless work of thousands of Soviet medical and scientific professionals who made invaluable contributions to the prevention and eradication of epidemic threats.

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Author Biographies

R. Zharkynbayeva , Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Department ‘History of Kazakhstan’
А. Abdiraiymova, ALT University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Candidate of Historical Sciences, Professor, Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines and Physical Education
А. Zhanabay, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, al-Farabi, Almaty, Kazakhstan

1st year doctoral student

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