KAZAKH SCIENTIFIC CENTER OF DERMATOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

On 28 May, a meeting was held with the participation of specialists from the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KazSCID) to discuss the results of a new study on problematic drug use in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan, the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health, the Committee for Counteraction to Drug-Related Crime, the Penal Correction Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, international organizations and UN agencies, as well as civil society organizations. This is the first national study conducted in the context of increased vulnerability to drug use. The last comparable research was conducted nearly a quarter of a century ago, in 2001. The study covered 12 cities across Kazakhstan and involved 2,640 respondents who regularly use drugs. The fieldwork was carried out by epidemiologists from regional AIDS centers with extensive experience in conducting similar surveys. The study focused on the availability of drugs, patterns of use, key populations, trends in the spread of drug use, and other critical aspects. In recent years, the use of synthetic drugs has become widespread in the country. Unsafe injecting practices and risky sexual behavior increase the risk of acquiring HIV, viral hepatitis, and other infections. The findings of the study are crucial for developing effective public policies to prevent the spread of drug use, reform legislation, and design evidence-informed strategies for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of people who use drugs. Special attention during the meeting was given to the importance of intersectoral collaboration, the role of the scientific community, and the engagement of civil society.

As part of the International Children’s Day Decade, from 22 May to 1 June 2025, first-year students of the Shymkent Polytechnic College attended a series of lectures under the theme: “Children’s Health – The Nation’s Health.” On the eve of 1 June – International Children’s Day – physicians from the Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, M.G. Moiseyeva and R.K. Dauletkulova, placed special emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles, the importance of moral and ethical values, and comprehensive sexuality education for young people. They highlighted the significance of care and support for health and the prevention of diseases. The students received detailed information about HIV prevention, and about stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. During the lectures, the speakers addressed students’ questions, screened educational videos, conducted a survey, and organized an interactive game aimed at assessing knowledge retention and emphasizing the importance of applying information responsibly and maintaining one’s health. At the conclusion of the session, M.G. Moiseyeva stated: “Health is the cornerstone of a prosperous life. Preventing diseases, including HIV and sexually transmitted infections, along with knowledge and community support, plays a crucial role in health preservation. A healthy lifestyle ensures the well-being of future generations and the quality of life. You, the youth, are the future of our country, and our future depends on your health.” Students expressed their thoughts and ideas about addressing the spread of HIV, its prevention, and maintaining healthy lifestyles. A first-year student shared: “The lecture was very engaging. The information was clear and accessible. We learned about Youth Centres in Shymkent and the Friendly Cabinet at the AIDS Centre. The presenters answered our questions on HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and emphasized the importance of caring for our health. The interactive game was particularly interesting. Thank you for the valuable information.”

A training seminar on "Issues of Treatment and Clinical Monitoring of People Living with HIV and Hepatitis C Co-infection" was held in the city of Semey, Abai Region.

The Kostanay Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS held an Open House Day at its friendly service room. This event became a meaningful occasion for both healthcare professionals and the local community, offering the public an opportunity to learn more about the center’s work, explore modern approaches to HIV prevention, and receive free counseling and testing services. Staff of the Center organized informative tours of the facility, where visitors observed the process of voluntary HIV testing, the measures in place to ensure confidential communication with healthcare providers, and the support services offered to individuals facing difficult life circumstances. A key highlight was the introduction to HIV rapid testing—many attendees saw for the first time how simple and quick it is to learn one’s HIV status. Educational lectures sparked great interest among participants. Experts discussed HIV transmission routes, contemporary prevention methods, the importance of early diagnosis, and persistent myths surrounding HIV. Notably, the lectures were adapted for a youth audience, with presenters using accessible language, real-life examples, and actively engaging attendees in conversation. Psychologists from the Center also provided brief consultations, helping visitors confront internal fears related to HIV, sexual health, and interpersonal relationships. Attendees received guidance on healthy communication, how to say "no" in high-pressure situations, and how to seek support when facing life’s challenges. The Open House Day at the friendly service room of the Kostanay Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS served as a powerful example of how respectful and effective public education on HIV can be. The event demonstrated that prevention does not have to be intimidating—it can be clear, accessible, and above all, compassionate. After all, care for one’s health begins with trust—trust in oneself, in professionals, and in the community.

On May 26, 2025, the HIV Prevention Center in Astana, with support from the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases and the Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health, hosted an online training session for journalists and press secretaries of medical institutions. The theme of the training was: "Training Journalists on HIV Prevention Coverage and Addressing Stigma and Discrimination Against People Living with HIV." During the session, M. Maksimova, a journalist and press secretary of the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, addressed the importance of using appropriate language and the correct presentation of information about HIV in the media. She noted that a lack of political correctness when covering HIV-related topics can lead to misconceptions and myths, which hinder people from making informed decisions. Maksimova also spoke about how to communicate information on HIV in ways that are comprehensive and accurate, and how the media can help prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. Dr. Z. Rakhimbayeva, an epidemiologist, presented a brief overview of the HIV epidemiological situation in Astana. Director K. Askarov emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of HIV prevention and in disseminating accurate information to the population. He thanked journalists for their informational support and expressed confidence in continued close cooperation.

The Regional Center for HIV Prevention in West Kazakhstan Region conducted a training session for staff from the epidemiological, clinical and preventive care, organizational and methodological departments, as well as the prevention unit, on procedures for conducting HIV rapid testing. The training was led by colleagues from the diagnostic laboratory—M.S. Dushmanova, laboratory specialist Zh.A. Kuanyshkereeva, and lab technician B.T. Zhubanova. The session was conducted in the format of a seminar-training. Participants were also taught practical skills in performing rapid HIV testing and interpreting results. HIV rapid testing is a method of prompt HIV diagnosis, typically used among key populations, in emergency situations, among healthcare workers, and when a pregnant woman presents in labor without having undergone the two required HIV screenings, as well as for those who wish to be tested anonymously. These tests can detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2, as well as the p24 viral antigen. Rapid tests demonstrate high sensitivity (97.5–100%) and specificity (95–99.9%), comparable to those of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems. The testing procedure involves several simple steps and takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes to complete. Whole blood is most commonly used as the biological sample, though oral fluid-based rapid testing is also available. A total of 20 staff members completed the training.