December 5, 2025
Sport and Knowledge for HealthA series of activities promoting healthy lifestyles and HIV prevention among young people took place in the Zhambyl District. The initiative combined sports competitions among college students and an information and awareness seminar for schoolchildren.
In the village of Uzynagash, a volleyball tournament was held among students from colleges across Zhambyl District. Both young men and women took part, demonstrating a high level of athletic skill and strong team spirit.
As a result of the competitions, the Uzynagash Medical College team took first place among the men’s teams, while the Zh. Zhabayev Vocational College team won among the women’s teams.The event was attended by A. Onlybekkyzy, Deputy Director for Educational Work at Uzynagash Medical College. In total, the sports activities involved around 100 students, with 28 participants directly competing in the games.
On the same day, an information and awareness seminar on HIV prevention was conducted for students of grades 8–11. The seminar, held at Zhambyl Secondary School, was organized in two sessions and reached a total of 245 school students.
During the meeting, specialists spoke with adolescents about HIV transmission routes, prevention measures, and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health. They also dispelled common myths and misconceptions about HIV. The open-dialogue format allowed students to freely ask questions and receive accurate, professional answers.
These activities made an important contribution to promoting health awareness, strengthening HIV prevention efforts, and encouraging active and healthy lifestyles among young people in Zhambyl District.
more »December 5, 2025
December 1 — the day when Aktobe chooses awareness and healthOn December 1, healthcare workers and volunteers approached visitors and employees of the “Keruen City” shopping and entertainment center in Aktobe with a simple question: “What day is it today?” What seemed like an easy question helped start a conversation on a complex topic: “What do you know about HIV infection? When was the last time you were tested for HIV?” — and encouraged people to undergo rapid testing.
Those who wished to get tested immediately were welcomed by a mobile unit near “Keruen City,” equipped with everything necessary for individual counseling and rapid HIV diagnostics.
“Today, many participants came to take a test and learn their HIV status. We offer this opportunity free of charge to everyone. Young people aged 16 and older can get tested not only at events like this but also at youth health centers in the city’s clinics and in all districts of our region,” noted Bagdagul Dilmanova, a specialist at the “Zhas Dauren” youth health center.
The large-scale event was organized by the Aktobe Regional Center for HIV Prevention and the Center for Healthy Lifestyle Promotion, with the participation of youth health centers from city clinics No. 6 and No. 7. All participants were given red ribbons and brochures with information about HIV and prevention measures. Everyone who answered the specialists’ questions received a sweet treat.
“It’s great that events like this are held! They reminded us that December 1 is not just a date on the calendar but World AIDS Day. My boyfriend and I decided to get tested for HIV today since the opportunity is available thanks to this campaign,” shared Nazgul, who came to “Keruen City” for shopping.
Anna Kaspirova, Deputy Head of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, added: “At ‘Keruen City,’ we hold such events for the residents and guests of Aktobe every year. This year, we initiated a wide range of activities for World AIDS Day — flash mobs, challenges, contests, quizzes, interactive sessions, trainings, debates, forums, intellectual games, and campaigns at various venues. All educational and healthcare institutions are involved, as well as sports and AIDS service organizations, military units, penitentiary institutions, the airport, and many others. In libraries and student dormitories, our specialists meet with young people. In schools, students write dictations and essays on HIV infection. And on December 5, the Center is preparing to celebrate International Volunteer Day. Everyone’s contribution is extremely valuable to us!”
more »December 4, 2025
Open Day Held in TurkestanIn honor of World AIDS Day, which is observed annually on December 1, specialists from the HIV Center of Turkestan Region organized an Open Day.
During the event, city residents and visitors had the opportunity to receive up-to-date information about HIV, ask questions to specialists, and undergo free testing. The main goal of the event was to raise public awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote a culture of voluntary testing.
Medical professionals explained the ways HIV is transmitted, available protection methods, debunked common myths, and distributed informational materials. Everyone who wished to could take a rapid test and receive the result within a few minutes, which is an important step for early detection of the infection and timely treatment.
The event attracted great interest from residents. Specialists engaged city residents and volunteers and also conducted medical consultations.
Such initiatives not only increase awareness but also promote and remind people about taking responsible care of their health: knowing your status is an important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones.
more »December 4, 2025
Knowledge that Protects: Youth Seminars Held in Karasai DistrictOn 3 December 2025, information and awareness seminars were held in the village of Shamalgan, Karasai District, for senior students of A. Bukharbaikyzy and M. Auezov schools. More than 350 adolescents took part in interactive discussions dedicated to health and safe behaviour.The main goal of the sessions was to help young people better understand how risks related to HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) emerge, and what kind of knowledge truly protects. The format of the event was designed not only to deliver information, but also to engage students in open discussion, encourage questions, and dispel misconceptions.Specialists from the Youth Health Centre covered topics relevant and relatable to every teenager.A. Otepbergenova, gynaecologist, explained how sexual and reproductive health is formed and why it is important to take care of one’s body from school age.T. Kuzmina, dermatologist and venereologist, spoke about common sexually transmitted infections and emphasized that early access to information helps prevent serious consequences.A. Buirekbaeva, psychologist, focused on how emotions, peer pressure and stress can lead adolescents to risky decisions. She stressed the importance of being able to say “no” when necessary and seeking support from trusted adults.A. Akshalova, narcologist, discussed the effects of psychoactive substances on the adolescent body and explained how substance use increases vulnerability to infections, including HIV.The seminars demonstrated that when it comes to health, adolescents need not only facts, but also honest and open conversation. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared their opinions, asked practical questions, and explored topics that are rarely discussed during regular school lessons.According to N. Kasymov, epidemiologist at the Regional AIDS Center:“As long as myths and stereotypes persist, young people remain at risk of misinformation about HIV. Our task is to provide them with clear, reliable knowledge they can use in real life.”The work carried out in Karasai District is part of broader efforts to create an environment where young people feel free to ask questions and seek understanding about health matters. Such meetings help adolescents become more confident, responsible, and self-aware—contributing to a healthier future for the entire community.
more »December 3, 2025
HIV-Party in Aktobe: Young People Choose Knowledge and HealthOn World AIDS Day, 1 December, specialists from the Aktobe Regional Center for HIV Prevention organized an interactive event called the “HIV-Party” for young people, with the participation of local media figures and community leaders.Speakers included: Madi Saparov, head of the Public Foundation Our Life; Asel Arystangaliyeva, member of the Public Council of Aktobe, head of the sector of the Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken, media trainer, journalist, and TV host; as well as Anna Kaspirova, Deputy Director, and Ainur Makhanova, infectious disease specialist at the Regional Center for HIV Prevention.The event was hosted by students of the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov, representing the volunteer movement of medical students KAZMSA.According to Dinara Urazalinova, Head of the Prevention Department of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention and the event organizer:“Students and volunteers joined the discussion with our experts. Our goal was to create a dialogue between young people, media representatives, and professionals working in HIV prevention. Inviting a coordinator of a community-based organization working with people living with HIV in Aktobe helped foster an engaging discussion on stigma and discrimination.”Participants especially enjoyed the interactive quiz game “Kahoot”, which tested their knowledge about HIV.“It was great that the game was in digital format — everything was clear, accessible, and engaging! Many thanks to the organizers for the sweet prizes and gifts for the winners!” shared Saltanat, a student of the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov.As Asel Arystangaliyeva noted:“There are still many misconceptions about HIV based on unreliable information. It’s important to rely only on verified sources and not hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.”Every participant had the opportunity to take a rapid HIV test.“Knowing one’s HIV status is a sign of strength, not weakness. It demonstrates responsibility for one’s own health and the health of loved ones — those who truly matter,” summarized Madi Saparov.
more »December 3, 2025
A Mini-Football Tournament Held in TurkestanA football tournament among healthcare workers took place in Turkestan. The sporting event was organized in observance of 1 December — World AIDS Day. The tournament, initiated by the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention, brought together 12 teams and around 150 healthcare professionals.
Throughout the competition, all teams demonstrated enthusiasm and active participation. Participants also received information on important social issues and showcased their athletic skills.
Specialists from the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention noted that all teams were well prepared for the tournament.
Currently, an information campaign is being conducted across the region from 10 November to 10 December. As part of HIV prevention efforts, various public awareness activities are taking place throughout the area.
The winners of the tournament received certificates of recognition and commemorative gifts. The organizers expressed their intention to continue similar initiatives in the future.
more »December 3, 2025
Table Tennis Tournament for Adolescents and Persons with DisabilitiesFrom 26 to 28 November 2025, a table tennis tournament was held in the Zhasstar Sports Palace in Taldykorgan. The event was organized by the Department of Health of Zhetysu Region and the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, in collaboration with the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Taldykorgan City. The sports event was dedicated to World AIDS Day, marked annually on 1 December.
The tournament brought together adolescents and persons with disabilities from across Zhetysu Region. The initiative aimed to promote mass sports, support talented youth, and encourage participation of persons with disabilities in sports, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
Organizers noted the active participation of teams and spectators, as well as the high level of sportsmanship and team spirit demonstrated during the competition. Winners and prize-holders received certificates of recognition and commemorative gifts.
The tournament became an important part of the region’s sporting life and a strong example of an inclusive approach to organizing public sports events for all population groups. The competition also formed part of a large-scale information campaign taking place across the region from 10 November to 10 December.
more »
