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 »December 9, 2025
Pine “Alley of Life” – a symbol of hope and stabilityAs part of World AIDS Day on December 1, a large-scale event was held at the Shymkent AIDS Center with the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations and the media under the slogan “From challenges to transformations in the HIV response.”
more »December 9, 2025
Action at Esil University dedicated to World AIDS DayThe action dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in Astana on December 8, 2025 under the slogan «From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV» for Esil University students. The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Association of Sexual and Reproductive Health, represented by Vice-President M. Sauranbayeva, and the Chevron company, on whose behalf coordinator M. Kenzhebayeva spoke. Epidemiologist A. Idrisova participated and spoke on behalf of the HIV Infection Center, who spoke about the virus, ways of transmission of HIV infection and protective measures. She stressed the importance of modern methods of prevention, regular testing and personal responsibility for health.
The students actively participated in a quiz about HIV prevention and transmission methods. Everyone was able to take an express test, the results of which could be found out in 20 minutes. During the event, those present had the opportunity to ask questions to specialists who explained the importance of timely detection of infection for maintaining health.
Special attention was paid to breaking down the stigma against people living with HIV. Experts noted that modern therapies allow people to lead an active life, and with an undetectable viral load, the virus is not sexually transmitted. This information aroused great interest and became the basis for discussions among the participants.
The event was attended by 250 students, more than 20 of whom were tested for HIV. A film about people living with HIV was also shown. The discussion of the film sparked an active discussion about stigma, discrimination and the need for a tolerant relationship between people, and information booklets were distributed to everyone.
more »December 9, 2025
I have been living with HIV for ten years now.I have been living with HIV for ten years now. During this time, my life has changed dramatically. At one point, it seemed to me that the diagnosis was destroying me, but that was exactly when I grabbed onto life and started over.
Several years ago, when I received a positive HIV test result, I was confused. Before that, I had been living a chaotic lifestyle. Questions kept running through my mind: where did the HIV infection come from, what is it, how do I get treated, and what should I do next? Today I know that people like me have time to find answers, and there are people who are ready to help. These are doctors, as well as others living with HIV who share their experiences.
After the diagnosis, my life split into “before” and “after.” I am a sociable and outwardly attractive man; I always found it easy to meet women. With those with whom a serious relationship was possible, I honestly told them about my status. Some left immediately—they said they couldn’t live next to someone who is HIV-positive. Others simply disappeared, stopped answering calls and messages.
There was one girl, a friend, who accepted me. We got married. But after the wedding, any conflict came with reproaches and reminders about my status. That marriage ended quickly. That was when I realized I wanted to meet someone who could be with me as an equal—one equal to another. Thanks to the specialists at the Almaty Region AIDS Center, I met a girl who also lives with HIV. We got married, have been together for more than three years now, and are raising a son. And fortunately, our child is healthy.
Yes, my life has changed. But life is change. HIV can adjust your plans, but it does not cancel dreams, love, a happy family, a career, children, or friendship. I do not hide my status. Those who accepted me have stayed by my side. And I believe in a dignified, fulfilling life.
more »December 9, 2025
An HIV Awareness Campaign Held at Turkestan International AirportA large-scale campaign titled “From Challenges to Transformations in the Response to HIV” was held at Turkestan International Airport for passengers and airport staff.
Specialists from the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention noted that the World AIDS Campaign is carried out globally with the support of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
All events of the World Campaign taking place in our region throughout the month aim to promote preventive measures, protect health, ensure access to medical services for people living with HIV, improve the quality of HIV treatment, and prevent stigma and inequality.
“We urge citizens to be active participants in HIV prevention, to know the modes of transmission, to always take preventive measures, and to share useful information about HIV with friends,” said H. Syzdykova, an epidemiologist at the center.
During the event, participants who wished to learn their HIV status were able to undergo rapid HIV testing. The event became an important step in engaging passengers in public health issues and shaping public attitudes toward HIV prevention among airport employees.
“I decided to get tested for HIV to determine my status, because this campaign gave us such an opportunity,” shared passenger Daniyal.
Aliya Dosbolova, a specialist at the international airport, said: “The Regional HIV Center conducts such campaigns annually for passengers and airport staff. These measures can greatly help increase people’s health literacy. This is especially relevant for passengers who arrive in and depart from the city.”
more »December 8, 2025
Awareness campaign at the “Kazyna” shopping and entertainment centreAs part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, an information and awareness-raising event was held at one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres in the Abai region — Kazyna. The initiative was organized by specialists from the Abai Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, in cooperation with the shopping centre administration.An interactive booth was set up in the main atrium, where visitors could access up-to-date information about HIV transmission routes, methods of prevention, and the importance of regular HIV testing. Specialists from the centre responded to visitors’ questions about current approaches to HIV prevention and helped dispel common myths about HIV.One of the key components of the campaign was the opportunity to undergo free and anonymous rapid HIV testing. The procedure took only a few minutes, and the results were delivered personally and confidentially to each participant. As a pleasant addition, those who took the HIV test received small treats. Specialists also provided information on where to access more comprehensive HIV testing and receive professional support if needed.The organizers emphasized that conducting such activities in public spaces helps raise awareness among a broader audience and reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.As noted by D. Tukeyeva, “Raising awareness, ensuring access to testing, and promoting open dialogue are essential steps toward fostering a responsible attitude to one’s health.”
more »December 8, 2025
A drawing contest among school students held in AtyrauAs part of the national information campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response,” a drawing contest was organized in the city of Atyrau for school students.More than 50 students took part in the creative competition, showcasing their artistic talents and their responsible attitude towards socially significant issues. Students from the Regional National Gymnasium for Gifted Children and the specialized school-lyceum-boarding school named after Zhuban Moldagaliyev were among the active participants.The main goal of the contest was to increase adolescents’ awareness of HIV, foster accurate understanding of prevention issues among young people, and promote healthy lifestyles. In addition, the event aimed to develop students’ creative potential and strengthen their civic engagement on important social issues.Following the results of the contest, the winners and distinguished participants received certificates and valuable gifts from the HIV prevention centre.
more »December 8, 2025
School Sports as a Foundation for Health and HIV PreventionOn 5 December 2025, a district volleyball tournament was held among 10th–11th grade students at Secondary School No. 26 in the village of Yerkin, Talgar district. The event brought together high school students in an atmosphere of sporting enthusiasm and became part of ongoing efforts to promote mass sports, strengthen health, and foster young people’s sustained motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle.Within the framework of the tournament, and with the support of the Talgar District Department of Sports, an information and awareness campaign was organized to raise adolescents’ understanding of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.The event was initiated and organized by the Talgar District Centre for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports. During the meeting, S. Kazbolatov, Director of the Centre, and A. Sultanova, epidemiologist from the Almaty Regional Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, highlighted the importance of regular physical activity, an active lifestyle, and responsible attitudes towards one’s own health.The competition contributed not only to developing teamwork among students but also to strengthening their interest in physical activity and building a culture of health awareness. At the end of the games, winners and runners-up received honorary certificates from the Talgar District Centre for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports, along with commemorative gifts from the AIDS Centre.Participants expressed sincere gratitude to the organizers, noting that such initiatives inspire young people to engage in sports and motivate them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Events like this play an important role in strengthening the health of the younger generation and promoting sporting values in society.
more »December 8, 2025
World AIDS Day ConferenceIn December 2025, Astana Medical University hosted a scientific and educational conference dedicated to December 1, World AIDS Day. The event was held under the theme: «Human immunodeficiency virus: ways of damaging the immune system and immunological aspects.»
Bakyt Kultanova, Head of the Epidemiological Department of the HIV Prevention Center, made a presentation at the conference. She highlighted important aspects of the epidemiological situation, trends in the spread of HIV, as well as modern approaches to prevention.
The conference brought together students, teachers and medical specialists to discuss topical issues related to HIV infection: mechanisms of damage to the immune system, immunological features of the virus, the development of opportunistic diseases, modern methods of prevention.
Student videos were also presented, an interactive quiz, a question and answer session were held, and it all ended with poster presentations and online voting for the best scientific poster.
«HIV is not a verdict, information and prevention are crucial,» the conference organizers noted. In their opinion, such events help to form a responsible attitude to health, debunk myths and reduce the stigma that surrounds people still living with HIV.
more »December 5, 2025
Large-Scale Campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the Response to HIV” in AstanaAs part of the World AIDS Campaign, on December 5, 2025, a large-scale event titled “From Challenges to Transformations in the Response to HIV” was held at the Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agro-Technical Research University for youth and students of the capital’s universities and colleges.
The Director of the HIV Center, D. V. Panchenko, emphasized that the World AIDS Campaign takes place worldwide under the auspices of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The slogan for the 2025 campaign is “From Challenges to Transformations in the Response to HIV.” All campaign activities in the capital, held throughout the month, focus on adherence to preventive measures, protection of health, safeguarding the rights of people living with HIV, ensuring access to medical services and quality HIV treatment, and preventing stigma and inequality. “We urge young people to be active participants in HIV prevention, to know the modes of transmission, to always use preventive measures, and to share useful information about HIV with their friends,” noted D. Panchenko.
The event included a concert program, a quiz, and a live discussion. Participants also had the opportunity to undergo rapid HIV testing. The event became an important step in engaging youth in public health issues and in shaping public attitudes toward HIV prevention among the young population of the capital.
Based on the results of the event, certificates of appreciation were awarded for: the best themed video created using digital technologies on HIV prevention — to AITU Cyber Security student A. Belonosova; for prize places in debates — to 1st- and 2nd-year students of the “Medical and Preventive Care,” “Dentistry,” and “Public Health” faculties of Astana Medical University. Active KazAITU participants in the “questions–answers” quiz who demonstrated strong knowledge of HIV prevention received commemorative prizes.
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