Issue No 74 of Entre Nous, “Improvement of maternal and child health in Kazakhstan” describes how politicians, managers and clinicians, supported by WHO and the European Union, have begun to transform out-of-date practice by introducing evidence-based care.  The articles include step-by-step guidance on change management and inspirational stories from doctors, midwives and service users who have personally experienced the effects. There are many practical lessons here for other countries wanting to improve their maternity and paediatric services.