December 11, 2025

Towards a Future Without HIV
On 10 December, the United Nations Office in Almaty hosted the presentation of the draft document “Strategic Vision for the Sustainability of the HIV Response for the Period 2030+ in the Republic of Kazakhstan.” The discussion brought together representatives of governmental, international, and non-governmental organizations. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Zh. Abdrashov, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representative Office in Almaty; R. T. Kuanyshbekova, Director of the Kazakh National Centre for Infectious Diseases Control; N. Kh. Amanzholov, President of the Central Asian Association of People Living with HIV; and E. V. Gvozdeva, UNAIDS Country Director in Kazakhstan. The document, grounded in the achievement of the 2030 targets and focused on sustaining the results beyond that period, outlines new directions for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national HIV response. An emotional highlight of the event was the appreciation ceremony recognizing cooperation with UNAIDS and acknowledging the contributions of national and international partners to the implementation of HIV response efforts. The Kazakh National Centre for Infectious Diseases Control expressed sincere gratitude to UNAIDS for its recognition, support, and enduring partnership. The letter of appreciation stated: “We highly value your professionalism, openness, and commitment to joint development. Thanks to our shared efforts, we have successfully implemented important initiatives and achieved significant progress in delivering an effective HIV response in Kazakhstan.” more »

December 11, 2025

HIV is not a choice, but protection is in your hands
On 10 December 2025, concluding the World AIDS Campaign, an information seminar on HIV prevention was held at Military Unit No. 10228 in Almaty Region. The main objective of the event was to provide military personnel and civilian employees with accurate and reliable information about HIV, explain modes of transmission and methods of prevention, and promote the importance of voluntary testing. Epidemiologist N. Kasymov from the Almaty Regional AIDS Centre gave a detailed presentation on the ways HIV is transmitted, risk factors, preventive measures, and the current possibilities of antiretroviral therapy. Special attention was given to the issues of stigma and discrimination, which remain among the main reasons for delayed access to services. Participants were reminded of the importance of treating people living with HIV with respect and compassion. During the seminar, attendees actively asked questions about protecting their health, preventing HIV transmission in everyday settings, and the possibility for women living with HIV to give birth to healthy children. Experts emphasized that timely medical follow-up and the use of preventive measures can reduce the risk of vertical transmission of HIV to a minimum. At the end of the seminar, participants received information and education materials, individual counselling sessions, and recommendations aimed at fostering a responsible attitude toward personal health. Such seminars help strengthen health literacy, promote a healthy lifestyle, and reduce the risk of infectious diseases among the personnel of the military unit. Number of participants: 70 people, including 50 military servicemen and 20 civilian employees. more »

December 11, 2025

Open Doors Day among youth and teenagers in Kyzylorda
An open Day among medical college students was organized at the Kyzylorda Regional Youth Health Center with the participation of HIV specialists. The event was held as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day. more »

December 11, 2025

“95–95–95” — Achievable: Experts of East Kazakhstan Summed Up the Results
In line with the UNAIDS strategy “95–95–95,” a regional conference dedicated to HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment was held in the East Kazakhstan region. The event brought together heads of polyclinics, therapists, and general practitioners of the region. The conference aimed to raise healthcare workers’ awareness of modern approaches to HIV testing for adults and children based on clinical and epidemiological indications. The conference was opened by Saltanat Fatikhova, Chief Physician of the East Kazakhstan Regional Center for AIDS Prevention and Control, who emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and continuous efforts to achieve WHO’s global targets. The program covered key issues relating to the epidemiological situation in the country and the region. Epidemiologist of the Regional AIDS Center, Tatyana Bashkirtseva, presented an overview of the progress made towards the “95–95–95” targets and discussed HIV transmission routes and prevention measures. Special attention was given to the algorithms of HIV testing for the population based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. Tatyana Bashkirtseva familiarized participants with current regulatory documents governing diagnostic procedures. The session also included thematic video presentations. Infectious disease specialist of the East Kazakhstan Regional AIDS Center, Akzer Abakanova, delivered presentations on the clinical manifestations of HIV and the specifics of co-infections, including viral hepatitis, as well as modern approaches to their diagnosis and treatment. The practical part of the conference featured a demonstration of HIV rapid testing. The procedure was presented by Aizhan Amirova, Head of the Prevention Department, who highlighted the importance of accessible early diagnostics for the population. The conference was timed to coincide with World AIDS Day and became an important platform for experience exchange, professional development of healthcare workers, and strengthening interagency collaboration in the field of HIV prevention in the East Kazakhstan region. more »

December 11, 2025

Forum for Young Doctors in the Abai Region
As part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, a forum under the slogan “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” was held at the NAO “Semey Medical University.” The event was organized by the Regional Center for HIV Prevention and the NAO “Semey Medical University.” The goal of the event was to improve the quality of training for young specialists and provide them with up-to-date knowledge on HIV infection in accordance with national recommendations and international protocols. More than 280 residents and interns from various specialties participated in the forum. Presentations were delivered by the head of the epidemiology department of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, professors from the departments of infectious diseases, dermatovenerology and immunology, the region’s chief pulmonologist, as well as heads of the departments of dental disciplines, maxillofacial surgery, internal diseases, and rheumatology of Semey Medical University. “The respiratory diseases of patients with HIV infection often present atypically and severely. A doctor must be able to timely recognize such conditions and correctly determine the treatment strategy,” noted the region’s chief pulmonologist and professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Zh.M. Urazalina. The forum demonstrated that young specialists show a deep interest in HIV-related issues and strive to improve their professional skills. Participants emphasized the need for regularly updating their knowledge, as well as the importance of an interdisciplinary approach when working with this category of patients. “Developing professional competencies in young specialists on HIV-related issues is an important component of the medical education system and a key to providing quality care to patients,” stressed Alma Nurtazina, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and International Cooperation of Semey Medical University. The event provided a platform for discussing pressing issues and enhancing the professional training of young doctors in the field of HIV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. more »

December 11, 2025

Continuation of Information and Awareness-Raising Activities in the Karasai District
Active and systematic work aimed at fostering responsible attitudes toward personal health and HIV prevention among young people continues in the Karasai district. Over the past month, specialists from medical institutions and relevant organizations conducted a series of lectures, trainings, and interactive sessions for college students and schoolchildren in the district. The awareness campaign covered major educational venues, including medical and arts colleges, as well as schools in the villages of Shalkar and Batan in the Karasai district. Both teenagers and teaching staff took part in the activities, which helped broaden the audience and increase the effectiveness of prevention efforts. Specialists from the Karasai Clinical Multidisciplinary Central District Hospital played a key role in the sessions. Dermatovenerologist T. Kuzmina provided young people with detailed information on methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups. Psychologist S. Sultangalieva focused on the harms of psychoactive substances and explained how drug use affects the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. Special attention during the meetings was given to HIV prevention, safe behavior, personal responsibility for one’s health, and the need for timely medical consultation. The interactive format allowed young participants to freely ask questions, receive reliable information, and debunk common myths. By the end of the month, the awareness campaign had reached more than 950 young people in the Karasai district. This scale highlights not only the importance of systematic prevention work but also the growing interest of young people in health and a safe lifestyle. more »

December 11, 2025

On Legislative Changes in the Field of Anti-Corruption
On December 10, a meeting dedicated to legislative changes in the field of anti-corruption was held at the KNCDIZ. M. Abdenbekov, the compliance officer of KNCDIZ, briefed the participants. He noted that corruption today represents one of the most pressing issues of modern society, including in the healthcare sector. This phenomenon undermines citizens’ trust in medical professionals, since in people’s minds a healthcare worker is someone whose mission is to help others. Mechanisms of internal control aimed at increasing the effectiveness of detecting and preventing violations were discussed. Participants were shown a documentary film about cases of corruption in healthcare institutions in recent years and their consequences. It should be noted that this year Kazakhstan underwent a reorganization of its anti-corruption agencies. The country is undertaking comprehensive measures to combat corruption. Increasing transparency, developing ethical standards, digitalizing services, and ensuring public participation are the tools that together form the modern anti-corruption model. The participants emphasized that further improvement of legislation and strengthening cooperation between government bodies and society are key factors in building a sustainable anti-corruption system. more »

December 10, 2025

Campaign in Mangystau Concludes on the Occasion of World AIDS Day
The Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention held a closing ceremony marking the completion of a large-scale campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.” The event was attended by Deputy Head of the Regional Health Department Bibizada Duisenbayeva, Deputy Head of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention Galym Alturaev, as well as youth representatives and participants of creative contests. The main objective of the campaign was to strengthen HIV prevention efforts in the region, increase public awareness, reduce the risk of HIV transmission among young people and key populations, promote early diagnosis, and ensure timely access to treatment. Awareness-raising activities also focused on sexually transmitted infections and the prevention of risk behaviors. According to Ms. Duisenbayeva, the campaign, which ran from 10 November to 10 December, engaged representatives from all sectors across the region. “Within the campaign, not only health facilities but also military units of the Ministry of Defence and educational institutions took part in informing young people and the general public. Schools hosted lectures, debates, trainings, and seminars on HIV prevention, while open-door days were organized at healthcare facilities,” she noted. At the closing ceremony, active participants of the campaign were awarded certificates of appreciation, and the winners of the creative contests were announced. Winners of the drawing contest among school students: 1st place: Sayan Sanak, Grade 11, Karakum School 2nd place: Assel Tabynbayeva, Grade 9, School No. 19, Batyr village 3rd place: Nurbolat Yusupov, Grade 11, School No. 6, Munaily District Winners of the student video contest: 1st place: Aktau College of Service Technology 2nd place: Mangystau Energy College named after N. Bekbosynov 3rd place: Tupkaragan Humanitarian College In conclusion, the organizers emphasized that activities aimed at protecting public health and enhancing HIV awareness among young people would continue in the future. more »

December 9, 2025

Migration and Health: Expanding Access to Services
On 9 December, participants of a working meeting in Almaty discussed national and international approaches to ensuring access to HIV-related services for migrants.The event brought together specialists from the Kazakh National Centre for Infectious Diseases (KNCID), as well as experts from international and community-based organizations working in the fields of migration and HIV. Among the participants were Community Friends NGO, Den Sooluk Nuru NGO, the Regional Expert Group on Migrant Health, and the Central Asian Association of People Living with HIV.Experts focused on the results of the study “Assessment of the Size and Service Needs Related to HIV among People Living with HIV and Key Populations of Foreign Migrants in Kazakhstan.”According to Sairankul Kassymbekova, Head of the Clinical Monitoring Department of KNCID, since the beginning of the year, 180 migrants living with HIV have been registered in the country — accounting for 5% of all detected cases. Currently, 223 migrants are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) through a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.Artyom Lebedev, President of Community Friends NGO, presented the results of the “Migrant Health-2” project in Kazakhstan, noting that over two years, the project has helped 144 migrants gain access to ART.Daniil Kashnitsky from the Regional Expert Group on Migrant Health shared good practices from the WHO European Region on improving migrants’ access to health services.Participants also discussed access to HIV-related services for foreign citizens in Kazakhstan, as well as mechanisms for remote registration and provision of treatment for Kazakh citizens living with HIV who are currently abroad. more »