November 21, 2025
Bridge of TrustOn November 18, 2025, a hybrid youth event entitled "Bridge of Trust: Almaty ↔ Astana" was held at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty to mark World AIDS Day. The event aimed to unite the youth communities of Almaty and Astana through a dynamic, interactive teleconference, combining in-person and online participation. The discussion focused on friendship, trust, emotional well-being, stigma reduction, and HIV prevention. The discussion was presented in a youth-friendly and culturally appropriate format. Student representatives from Nazarbayev University participated in Astana.
more »November 20, 2025
Interactive HIV Awareness Programme for Young People in PetropavlovskAn interactive concert programme dedicated to the World AIDS Campaign was held at the City House of Culture in Petropavlovsk. The 2025 theme — “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” — inspired a creative and engaging event for young people.
The programme was organized by the North Kazakhstan Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, with the support of the Department of Education of the Akimat of North Kazakhstan Region, the Public Association “Phoenix”, the regional branch of the NGO “Answer”, and the Youth Resource Centre of Petropavlovsk. The participants were students from city colleges.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mamadïyar Baigulov, Acting Director of the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention. Karlygash Akinova, Head of the Department for Treatment, Prevention, and Dispensary Services at the Centre, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme:
“The theme ‘From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response’ symbolically reflects the global call for meaningful and decisive action. The international community continues to move toward an important goal — ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. To reach this goal, we must act now. The main purpose of our event is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, promote prevention and social responsibility, and inspire young people to take part in global initiatives. HIV is not just a diagnosis — it is a challenge to society, a test of its maturity, awareness, and compassion.”
Hosts Ruslan Adiyatov and Oksana Simukhina, specialists from the Regional HIV Centre, kept the audience actively engaged throughout the event.
Student teams took part in a quiz, created bright and motivating slogans for HIV awareness in the “One-Minute Slogan” contest, performed silent theatrical sketches on the theme of health in the “Mini-Theatre of Emotions” competition, and came up with creative and positive interpretations of the abbreviations HIV, AIDS, and Healthy Lifestyle (ZОZh) in the “Decode the Abbreviation” challenge. The artistic performances by students of the College of Arts added a special atmosphere to the event.
At the end of the programme, participants received souvenirs from the organizers.
The interactive concert programme encouraged students to look at HIV prevention from a new perspective, express their creativity, and reflect on the importance of each individual’s contribution to building a healthy and informed generation.
more »November 20, 2025
Almaty Region Discusses Integration of HIV Prevention into the Education SystemOn 19 November 2025, the Department of Education of the Uyghur District and the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control held a round table as part of the national campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response!”
The main goal of the meeting was to effectively integrate HIV prevention into the education system and strengthen the information and communication competencies of education professionals.
The round table brought together 95 participants, including school principals, vice-principals for educational work, biology teachers, and school nurses. Specialists from the Uyghur District Central Hospital — psychologist G. Kozhakanova, narcologist Ch. Nurzhanov, and gynaecologist G. Musaeva — delivered presentations within their respective fields, providing detailed information about common risk factors among adolescents and adults, the importance of prevention, and the need for a systematic approach within educational institutions.
N. Kasymov, a specialist from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, presented a comprehensive lecture on HIV prevention measures, key challenges in responding to HIV, and strategies for integrating preventive work into the educational environment.
Participants emphasized the importance of such meetings, noting that they enhance the capacity of education professionals and play a vital role in shaping accurate knowledge and safer behaviour among young people.
Similar activities will continue in the future, ensuring a systematic approach to prevention and strengthening a culture of health and well-being across the region.
more »November 20, 2025
“HIV Party” for Almaty YouthThis HIV Party was not only fun, but also informative. Students of the Eurasian Technological University learned about HIV prevention for the first time in an interactive and engaging format.
The event was organized by the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KNSCID), the international youth movement TeenergizerQZ, and the Almaty AIDS Centre. The organizers agreed that open, dynamic, and honest peer-to-peer dialogue — rather than a traditional lecture — is the most effective way to reach young people, allowing them to ask any questions and receive real, evidence-based answers.
During the event, held on 19 November, participants engaged in discussions, debates, and interactive games with prizes. The Kahoot quiz helped consolidate the information shared by health specialists and identify the winners. Participants could also take part in rapid HIV testing with mandatory pre- and post-test counselling.
Special gratitude was expressed to Salavat Kobzhalelov, a person living with HIV, who actively supports others in need and raises awareness about HIV prevention.
Participants shared that such events increase young people’s awareness of HIV, encourage them to get tested, and help reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
Many students highlighted that the peer-to-peer format was particularly valuable. Hearing real-life stories, asking personal questions, and discussing how to act in challenging situations made the session more open and trustworthy. This approach helps break down myths and foster positive, informed attitudes toward HIV.
more »November 20, 2025
East Kazakhstan: Dozens of Residents Got Tested for HIV While ShoppingIn the East Kazakhstan Region, a vibrant and meaningful event titled “Know Your Status” took place at the “Imperator” shopping mall to mark World AIDS Day. The event was organized by the East Kazakhstan Regional AIDS Centre in collaboration with the NGO Answer, attracting both regular visitors of the mall and people who came specifically after seeing announcements on social media.
Right in the mall’s main hall, specialists conducted rapid HIV testing and provided individual counselling, helping people access accurate information about HIV transmission, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis.
Many participants said they decided to take the test after reading about the event on social media, while others joined spontaneously during their shopping. The open and easily accessible format made the activity especially effective — anyone could get tested without prior registration or waiting in line.
The organizers emphasized that such initiatives help dispel myths about HIV, raise public awareness, and promote responsible attitudes toward personal health.
more »November 20, 2025
HIV and STI Prevention Seminars Held among Workplace TeamsAs part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day and the ongoing information and education activities, specialists from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control conducted training seminars on the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in several organizations in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region.
The outreach covered the following workplaces:
- Otan Green Food LLP (poultry farm, Shonzhy village) — 700 employees
- AsiaGaz LLP — 41 employees
- Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan (Shonzhy branch) — 21 employees
- Kazakhtelecom JSC (Shonzhy) — 47 employees
- Kazpost JSC (Uyghur District Postal Service) — 71 employees
- Uyghur District Police Department — 82 employees
During the sessions, specialists explained how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it, dispelled common myths about the virus, and emphasized the importance of timely HIV testing and safer sexual behaviour. Special attention was given to the principles of confidentiality, non-discrimination, and the importance of fostering tolerance towards people living with HIV.
A separate section of the seminars was devoted to the latest approaches to HIV diagnosis and treatment. Experts explained that early detection enables people to live long and healthy lives, and that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce the viral load to an undetectable level, eliminating the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. Participants were reminded of the importance of regular HIV testing and seeking medical care at the first signs of any STI.
Such initiatives contribute to improving employees’ awareness, strengthening workplace health culture, and reducing the risk of HIV and STI transmission among labour collectives.
more »November 19, 2025
The Motto “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” Became the Focus of Discussion among the Youth of ZhetysuThe Regional Centre for HIV Prevention of the Health Department of Zhetysu Region held a round table under the motto “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” for young people.
The purpose of the event was to raise young people’s awareness of HIV transmission routes, methods of prevention, the importance of regular HIV testing, and to promote a responsible attitude towards personal health. Participants were reminded that HIV and AIDS are different concepts, and that thanks to modern treatment, people living with HIV can lead full, active, and healthy lives.
During the round table, specialists provided detailed information on how HIV is transmitted, dispelled common myths, and emphasized that HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact. Special attention was given to HIV prevention, safer behaviour, and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
The discussion involved representatives from the Health Promotion Department of City Polyclinic No. 1, a narcologist from the Regional Centre for Mental Health, and members of the Taldykorgan Regional Employment Support Foundation, a non-governmental organization. Each participant contributed to the discussion, sharing professional recommendations and experience in working with young people.
Experts from the Centre noted that transformations are already taking place: new prevention programmes are being introduced, access to free HIV testing is expanding, youth counselling is being improved, and information campaigns are becoming more open and accessible.
The event helped to foster open dialogue, increase awareness, and strengthen the understanding among young people that HIV prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
more »November 19, 2025
Adolescent Forum in Uyghur District: An Open Conversation about HIV and HealthA large-scale forum dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and promoting healthy lifestyles among young people was held in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region. The event took place on 18 November 2025 as part of the national campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response!”
The main objective of the forum was to provide adolescents with accurate and evidence-based information about HIV, prevent harmful behaviours, and foster a culture of responsible attitudes towards personal health.
The event was organized by specialists from the Uyghur District Central Hospital, including Education Department specialist A. Asynova, health promotion specialist Sh. Baratova, and youth health centre physician A. Yskak. Specialists from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control — A. Ibraimova and N. Kasymov — also participated, delivering a lecture on HIV prevention and engaging adolescents in an open dialogue on pressing health and social issues.
In addition, representatives of other medical professions addressed the forum. Narcologist Ch. Nurzhanov spoke about the harms of drug use, psychologist G. Kozhakanova discussed the prevention of violence, youth health centre physician A. Yskak presented the principles of healthy living, and gynaecologist G. Musaeva provided information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and methods of prevention.
The forum brought together 90 participants, including students from five local schools, as well as students from the “Ayazhan” Medical College and the Polytechnic College in Shonzhy. Young participants highlighted the importance of such events in improving awareness, building self-confidence, and strengthening a sense of responsibility for their own health.
The organizers emphasized that preventive sessions in schools and colleges will continue, aiming to expand outreach to young people and promote a culture of health and well-being among adolescents and the wider community.
more »November 18, 2025
In Aksay village, HIV prevention efforts are being strengthened and public awareness is increasingOn November 18, 2025, specialists from the Almaty Regional Center for AIDS Prevention and Control, together with Dr. T. Sekebaeva from the MCZ, visited the Central Polyclinic of Aksay village. The event was organized as part of World AIDS Day — a date that reminds us of the importance of prevention, early testing, and the elimination of stigma toward people living with HIV.
The main goal of the meeting was to raise awareness among patients and medical staff about the ways HIV is transmitted, modern prevention methods, and the importance of regular testing.
During the event, 18 clinic visitors underwent a rapid saliva HIV test — a fast, safe, and convenient method for early detection of the infection. Dr. T. Sekebaeva gave a lecture on the principles of maintaining health, risk factors, and methods of HIV prevention. Participants were also educated about and had common myths about HIV debunked. In total, 43 people were reached through the preventive work.
During the lecture, participants actively asked questions about the correct use of protective measures, the possibility of infection in everyday life, modern HIV treatment regimens, and steps that help maintain health.
The specialists emphasized that timely testing is one of the key factors in maintaining health and preventing further spread of the infection. Early detection allows people to receive timely support and live a full and active life.
Patients and staff of the Central Polyclinic noted that such meetings help people feel more informed and confident.
Preventive visits will continue in the future, reaching more residents of the region and fostering a culture of care for personal health and the well-being of those around them.
more »
