November 14, 2025
Get Tested, Know Your Status, Live Your Life!Under this slogan, medical staff of the Almaty Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted an awareness-raising activity for adolescents of Institution No. 11.
The event was organized as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, carried out under the UNAIDS theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
Healthcare specialists explained how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it, conducted a short quiz to assess participants’ knowledge of HIV prevention, and addressed common myths surrounding the virus.
The adolescents actively participated in the quiz, answered questions and discussed the outcomes. All participants received small prizes.
A short creative exercise — a “HIV cinquain” — helped summarize key gaps in knowledge and added an emotional dimension to the session.
Special attention was given to tolerance and support for people living with HIV.
During the interactive part of the event, participants were invited to analyse real-life situations related to potential HIV exposure. This allowed the adolescents to better understand which actions actually pose a risk and which are merely common misconceptions.
more »November 14, 2025
SDU University Students Challenge Myths and Learn to Speak Openly About HIVOn 13 November 2025, SDU University (Kaskelen) hosted an unusual event under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” — an interactive youth meeting branded as a “HIV Party”.
The event was designed not as a traditional seminar but as an open, friendly and engaging gathering for young people. Fifty active students took part, showing great interest in the discussion and asking specialists direct and candid questions.
The initiative was organized by the Almaty Regional Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, in collaboration with specialists from the “Doverie Plus” Public Foundation and the Teenergizer movement. The main goal of the campaign is to increase awareness among young people about HIV and to challenge persistent myths associated with it.
Dr. S. Makhmutova, an infectious disease specialist at the Almaty Regional AIDS Centre, answered students’ questions and clarified the most common misconceptions about HIV.
S. Kabzhalelov, a peer counsellor from “Doverie Plus” and a person living openly with HIV, shared his personal story. He spoke about life after diagnosis, highlighting the importance of support, access to accurate information and societal acceptance.
T. Moldagali, a representative of Teenergizer, presented key facts about HIV and helped debunk widespread myths.
As part of the interactive session, students participated in a 15-question HIV quiz on Kahoot, reflecting the information discussed during the event. Winners received small prizes.
Students expressed gratitude to the specialists for their openness, sincerity and practical guidance, noting that such initiatives help reduce fears and encourage a responsible attitude toward personal health. Similar awareness-raising campaigns are being held across all districts of Almaty Region, contributing to a more informed and tolerant perspective on HIV among young people.
more »November 13, 2025
Doctors in Astana Discuss Access to Hepatitis C TreatmentOn November 12, a city seminar for primary healthcare medical workers was held at the Astana HIV Prevention Center in collaboration with the NGO “Life Despite” as part of a campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day. The seminar focused on: “Management of Patients with HIV. The Patient Pathway for HIV-Positive Individuals in Diagnosing and Treating Hepatitis C. Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities.”
The acting director of the Astana HIV Center, D.V. Panchenko, gave the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis among people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as the need for proper monitoring of patients with co-infections. The head of the city Hepatocenter, K.A. Shamsivalieva, spoke about the coordination between the HIV Center, primary healthcare facilities, and the Hepatocenter, and outlined the referral process for patients requiring Hepatitis C treatment.
According to the seminar organizers, chronic viral hepatitis treatment for patients with HIV is currently receiving significant attention. This is because HIV accelerates the progression of liver damage caused by Hepatitis C, particularly in patients with pronounced immunodeficiency, as it increases HCV concentrations in the blood by 2–8 times, leading to complications and prolonged treatment.
At the conclusion of the event, the parties expressed their readiness to strengthen further cooperation on the treatment of co-infections.
more »November 13, 2025
Players of the futsal club "Kairat" underwent HIV testing and called for awarenessFutsal players of the "Kairat" club actively participated in an informational campaign for World AIDS Day under the slogan “From challenges to transformations in response to HIV.” The players demonstrated that the response to HIV begins not with words, but with concrete actions.
Specialists from the Almaty Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted rapid HIV testing for all willing athletes and club members. Participants had the opportunity to learn their HIV status confidentially and free of charge, as well as ask experts questions about preventive measures.
In addition to testing, an educational session was held for athletes and coaches on protection methods, the importance of regular check-ups, and debunking myths related to HIV. Medical professionals emphasized that modern therapy allows people living with HIV to lead full lives and perform at high levels in sports.
The players of "Kairat" expressed their support for such initiatives and noted that sports can serve as an effective platform for promoting health, tolerance, and responsibility.
more »November 13, 2025
Almaty Firefighters Join Campaign Against HIV
The specialized unit of the Almaty Fire Service has joined the information campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response,” dedicated to World AIDS Day.On 12 November, staff of the Almaty Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted a training for firefighters. The trainers provided participants with information on ways of HIV transmission and protection measures, explained how HIV is not transmitted, and emphasized the importance of regular testing. The discussion focused on HIV diagnosis and treatment.Special attention was paid to the issues of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.During the training, firefighters asked questions about common myths surrounding HIV and shared their reflections on the importance of mutual support and trust within the team. Participants noted that such meetings help challenge stereotypes and promote a responsible attitude towards one’s own health.The campaign “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” continues.
more »November 13, 2025
Over One Hundred Students at Gymnasium No. 1 in Almaty Learned About HIV PreventionOn November 11, medical staff from the Almaty Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control conducted a training session for students of Gymnasium No. 1 as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day.
In a trusting and friendly atmosphere, the trainers spoke about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of one’s own health as well as the health of loved ones.
In a quiz format, students answered questions about ways HIV is transmitted and measures for protection against it. Any mistakes or misconceptions were immediately corrected and thoroughly explained by the doctors.
Participants were also informed about the importance of HIV testing. The medical staff emphasized that early detection of the infection helps preserve health and quality of life for many years.
Special attention was given to the need to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Teenagers were encouraged to show tolerance, understanding, and respect toward every individual, regardless of their diagnosis.
more »November 12, 2025
A press conference dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in the Mangystau regionA campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” has been launched in the Mangystau region, dedicated to December 1 – World AIDS Day.
As part of the campaign, from November 10 to December 10, various informational and preventive activities are being held throughout the region. The main goal is to draw public attention to the issue of HIV infection and ensure equal access to prevention, treatment, and support services.
As part of the large-scale campaign, a press conference for media representatives was held at the Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention. Specialists from the center provided detailed information about the current situation regarding the spread of the infection in the region, preventive measures, and the medical assistance provided to residents. Journalists also had the opportunity to ask their questions.
During the campaign, events of various formats are taking place in all districts and settlements of the region. Lectures, seminars, and training sessions are being organized in military units, law enforcement agencies, penal institutions, shopping centers, markets, railway stations, as well as in higher and secondary educational institutions. In addition, informational and educational materials are being distributed among the population, and residents are offered the opportunity to undergo rapid HIV testing.
Furthermore, a large-scale final event is scheduled to be held on December 5 at the regional library.
The Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention calls on residents to take responsibility for their health, undergo timely testing, and lead a safe lifestyle.
more »November 12, 2025
Open Day for Medical StudentsFrom November 10 to December 10, the information campaign "From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV" is taking place in the country. The campaign is timed to coincide with December 1, World AIDS Day, and aims to draw public attention to HIV prevention, treatment, and elimination of stigma and discrimination.
Within the framework of this republican company, an Open Day was organized in Kyzylorda with the participation of specialists from the regional youth health center and the regional center for the formation of a healthy lifestyle, for students of the Bolashak Higher Medical College.
The purpose of the event is to reduce the risk of HIV spread among young people and promote a healthy lifestyle.
S.Balykbaeva, Head of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department, spoke about the ways of HIV transmission and related preventive measures, while focusing students' attention on a healthy lifestyle and behavior that reduces the risk of HIV infection.
In addition, students were presented with modern capillary and saliva rapid tests for the early detection of HIV, and rapid testing was conducted.
On the Open Day, students were introduced to the work of the regional center, and at the end of the seminar, information and educational materials and protective equipment were distributed.
more »November 12, 2025
Karaganda Region: 96% of People Living with HIV Have a Suppressed Viral LoadOn the eve of World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December, the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre has reported strong results in HIV treatment, prevention and testing. These achievements have been made possible thanks to the coordinated work of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, as well as collaboration with non-governmental organizations supporting people living with HIV.
In the region, 92% of people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART); among those on treatment, 96% have a suppressed viral load; and 99.9% of pregnant women have been tested for HIV. The HIV prevalence rate among people aged 15–49 is 0.79% (below the threshold level of 0.90%), confirming the effectiveness of preventive measures.
World AIDS Day serves as an important opportunity to highlight the resilience of countries and communities that are stepping up their efforts to safeguard progress and strengthen the HIV response. The theme of World AIDS Day 2025 is “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response.”
“Kazakhstan continues to actively develop its programmes supported by public funding. This enables us to provide people living with HIV with the necessary treatment, conduct regular testing, and expand prevention measures, which has led to a significant decline in HIV prevalence,” said Beibit Sagimbayev, Director of the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre.
“Positive trends are also evident in collaboration with non-governmental organizations working to protect the rights of people living with HIV. The government continues to strengthen its support, ensuring the stability and further development of prevention initiatives,” added Ainur Nupinova, Head of the Karaganda Association “Doverie” (Trust).
Traditionally, in the lead-up to World AIDS Day, an information campaign engages young people, civil society activists and volunteers.
As part of this year’s activities, the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre has announced a creative contest among students to produce short videos on HIV prevention and the unacceptability of stigma towards people living with HIV. Planned events also include volleyball tournaments among high school students to promote healthy lifestyles, and an awareness event titled “HIV-party” featuring people living with HIV, public figures and specialists from the AIDS Centre—aimed at encouraging young audiences to be mindful of their choices and take responsibility for their health.
In addition, the campaign will include prevention drives, lectures and interactive meetings to increase public awareness about HIV.
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